Gingerbread Cookie Bars
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Baking gingerbread cookie bars is one of those delightful experiences that evoke the true spirit of the holiday season. The warm aroma of spices, the comforting textures, and the rich flavor of molasses create moments of nostalgia. Whether you’re treating your family during the holidays or hosting a cozy gathering with friends, these cookie bars are a simple yet satisfying dessert. With layers of soft, spiced goodness topped with a creamy frosting, these bars are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes gingerbread cookie bars truly special? For starters, they are incredibly easy to make! Baking them requires minimal effort and yields maximum flavor, making them a go-to recipe even for novice bakers. Their versatility shines through – they fit perfectly into holiday celebrations, casual weeknight dinners, or as a delicious treat for your afternoon coffee break. Also, with their rich spices, they embody the essence of winter, bringing warmth to any occasion.
"These gingerbread cookie bars are a game changer! They remind me of my childhood, and the frosting makes them irresistible." – A Happy Baker
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating these gingerbread cookie bars is a delightful endeavor, breaking down into manageable steps. You’ll start by mixing dry ingredients and blending in the wet ones, resulting in a soft dough that’s a breeze to spread into your baking pan. The dough bakes into a lovely golden-brown, and once frosted, these bars are not just tasty but also beautiful enough to impress!
What You’ll Need
Before you roll up your sleeves, gather the following ingredients:
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For the Cookie Bars:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk (discard the egg white)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz brick-style cream cheese (full-fat)
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk
Ingredient Notes:
You can replace unsulphured molasses with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness. Additionally, feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure you have a 9×13 inch baking pan ready—grease it with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. This will ensure even distribution of the spices throughout your bars.
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In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This will add air to the mixture and create a lighter texture.
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Blend in the molasses and vanilla extract, followed by the egg and egg yolk. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
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Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, about half at a time, until everything is fully combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
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Spread or press the cookie dough into your prepared pan. If your hands are sticky, lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray to make this easier.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These gingerbread cookie bars are delicious on their own, but they shine even brighter with a creamy frosting. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of hot cocoa. For an added touch, sprinkle some crushed ginger snaps on top or a dusting of festive colored sprinkles to elevate their presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your gingerbread cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They should last up to three months. For reheating, simply take out a piece, let it thaw for a few minutes, and warm it briefly in the microwave.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For sugar that packs a punch, use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer a denser bar, use less flour or a larger metal baking pan to help the bars bake up thicker.
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smoother blending process; it’s best to take it out of the fridge a bit before you start.
Creative Twists
Feel free to experiment with the flavors! You could add white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture. If you’d like a citrus twist, try folding in some orange zest into the frosting for a refreshing contrast. Vegan alternatives, such as plant-based butter and cream cheese, can be used to make these bars suitable for a vegan diet.
Common Questions
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What’s the prep time for gingerbread cookie bars?
The preparation time is typically around 15 minutes, while baking takes 22-25 minutes, making this a quick treat to whip up. -
Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, while brown sugar adds moisture and flavor, you can experiment with granulated sugar or coconut sugar if desired! -
How should I handle leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage while ensuring they’re well-wrapped.
These gingerbread cookie bars are not only delicious but also a heartfelt way to create warmth in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and let the festive aromas fill your home!
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Blend in the molasses and vanilla extract, followed by the egg and egg yolk. Mix thoroughly.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing half at a time.
- Spread the cookie dough into your prepared pan, using non-stick spray on your hands if necessary.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
