Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread Cookie Bars: 5 Easy Steps to Holiday Joy

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Gingerbread Cookie Bars: 5 Easy Steps to Holiday Joy

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Welcome to the most festive time of year! If you’re looking for a delightful treat that screams holiday cheer, then these gingerbread cookie bars are exactly what you need. Forget the fuss of rolling and cutting individual cookies; these soft, chewy bars deliver all the beloved gingerbread flavor with minimal effort.

Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are a true holiday showstopper that will have everyone asking for more.

The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and delicious treats. Baking is a cherished tradition for many, but sometimes time can be a luxury we don’t have.

That’s where these amazing gingerbread cookie bars come in! They capture the essence of classic gingerbread cookies but in a much simpler, quicker bar form. You’ll be amazed at how easily these come together.

These aren’t just any holiday treat; they’re your new go-to for festive baking. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

  • Effortless Elegance: Much easier than traditional cut-out cookies, perfect for busy schedules.
  • Soft & Chewy Texture: No dry, crumbly cookies here! These bars are wonderfully moist and chewy.
  • Irresistible Flavor: A perfect blend of warming spices, rich molasses, and a tangy cream cheese frosting.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or gifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Holiday Bars

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful gingerbread cookie bars. Most of these are likely staples in your pantry, especially during the festive season.

For the Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground cloves
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar, packed
  • Large egg
  • High-quality molasses
  • Vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your festive gingerbread cookie bars.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients & Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Grease lightly if desired.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet & Dry Dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  2. Do not overbake, as the bars will continue to set as they cool.
  3. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. While the bars cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost, Cut, and Serve!

  1. Once the gingerbread cookie bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
  3. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars from the pan and cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Achieving the perfect batch of gingerbread cookie bars is easy with a few expert tips:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth, uniform batter and frosting.
  • Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will lead to dry bars. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  • Cool Completely: Frosting warm bars is a recipe for a melty mess. Patience is key for a beautifully frosted finish.
  • Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. A little extra ginger or a dash of nutmeg can add another layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

These festive bars are wonderful on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even better:

  • Serving: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some festive sprinkles. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
  • Storage: Store frosted gingerbread cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted bars can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days, then frosted before serving.
  • Freezing: Unfrosted bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving. For more amazing holiday dessert ideas, Read our in-depth guide here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gingerbread cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookie bars up to 2-3 days in advance and store them unfrosted at room temperature. Prepare the cream cheese frosting on the day you plan to serve, or up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Frost the bars a few hours before your event.

What kind of molasses should I use?

For the best flavor and texture in these gingerbread cookie bars, use unsulphured dark or “robust” molasses. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as its flavor can be too strong and bitter for this recipe.

Can I add mix-ins to the gingerbread cookie bar dough?

Yes, you can! Chopped crystallized ginger, white chocolate chips, or even finely chopped pecans would be delicious additions. Fold them into the dough after you’ve mixed in the dry ingredients, right before pressing it into the pan.

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