Gingerbread Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Recipe

Gingerbread cookie bars: the taste of Christmas, simplified! Imagine biting into a chewy, warmly spiced gingerbread cookie, but without the fuss of rolling, cutting, and decorating individual cookies. That’s precisely what these delightful bars offer – all the festive flavor with a fraction of the effort.

Gingerbread, with its roots tracing back to ancient Greece and Egypt, has evolved over centuries into a beloved holiday treat, particularly in Europe and North America. The addition of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves not only creates a comforting aroma but also offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the molasses and sugar. These spices were once considered exotic and valuable, making gingerbread a special occasion treat.

What makes gingerbread cookie bars so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – a soft, slightly chewy center with a subtly crisp edge. The deep, rich molasses flavor, balanced by the aromatic spices, creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. Plus, their ease of preparation makes them a winner for busy holiday bakers. Forget spending hours shaping individual cookies; simply press the dough into a pan, bake, and slice! Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to share with family or a festive treat to bring to a holiday gathering, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I know my family loves them, and I’m sure yours will too!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Bars:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Decorations:
• Sprinkles
• Gingerbread men candies
• Crystallized ginger, chopped

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step is crucial for getting that perfect, tender crumb in your gingerbread cookie bars.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the molasses and vanilla extract. The molasses is what gives these bars that classic gingerbread flavor, so don’t skimp on it! The vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help the bars rise properly and have a consistent flavor.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough bars. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
5. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to prevent the bars from spreading too much during baking and also allows the flavors to meld together. While optional, I highly recommend chilling the dough for the best results. You can even chill it overnight!

Baking the Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is my preferred method because it makes it so easy to lift the bars out of the pan after they’ve cooled.
2. Press the Dough into the Pan: Press the gingerbread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it out. Make sure the dough is evenly distributed so the bars bake evenly.
3. Bake the Bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they will become dry. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
4. Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is important because if you frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt. I usually let them cool for at least an hour or two.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best results. This will prevent lumps in your frosting.
2. Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add the Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Frosting and Decorating the Bars:

1. Frost the Cooled Bars: Once the gingerbread bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula or a butter knife to do this.
2. Decorate (Optional): If desired, decorate the frosted bars with sprinkles, gingerbread men candies, or chopped crystallized ginger. Get creative and have fun with it!
3. Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. These gingerbread cookie bars are best enjoyed within a few days, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a chilly day, a burst of festive flavor in every bite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try this season, and here’s why: the combination of chewy texture, the perfect blend of spices, and the ease of preparation make it a winner. Forget spending hours rolling and cutting individual cookies; these bars deliver all the gingerbread goodness with minimal effort. Why You Absolutely Need to Make These Gingerbread Cookie Bars Seriously, if you’re looking for a simple yet impressive treat to share with family and friends, look no further. The rich molasses flavor, the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and the satisfying chewiness create an irresistible experience. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is pure holiday magic! Serving Suggestions and Variations to Make it Your Own These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but feel free to get creative! For a simple yet elegant touch, dust them with powdered sugar. Or, for a more decadent treat, drizzle them with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. You could even add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch. Looking for variations? Consider adding chocolate chips for a delightful twist. White chocolate chips would complement the gingerbread spices beautifully. Or, for a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping the bars with a layer of cranberry sauce before baking for a festive and tangy flavor combination. Another fun variation is to cut the cooled bars into smaller squares and use them as the base for mini gingerbread trifles. Layer them with whipped cream, cranberry sauce, and toasted pecans for a stunning and delicious dessert. You can also crumble the bars and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. The possibilities are endless! Don’t Wait, Bake! I’m so confident that you’ll love these Gingerbread Cookie Bars. They are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea on a cozy afternoon. They also make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these incredible bars. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Share Your Gingerbread Cookie Bar Creations! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve baked your own batch of Gingerbread Cookie Bars, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your baking adventures! Happy baking! Print