Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These chewy gingerbread cookie bars are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies, offering a soft and rich texture topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons, they combine warm spices and sweet molasses for a comforting treat.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 3/4 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Stir in the flour, ground ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Step 5: Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent melting.
7. Step 7: To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
9. Step 9: Slice into bars and serve. Enjoy your chewy gingerbread treats!

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cloves or cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
• To make bars easier to cut, chill them briefly after frosting.

Storage

Store the frosted gingerbread bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the bars without the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own if you prefer a simpler treat or want to reduce sweetness.

Can I freeze these gingerbread bars?

You can freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Delight in these Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars, featuring a soft and spiced gingerbread base topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a cozy, flavorful treat with a chewy texture and sweet finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• 2/3 cup butter (room temperature)
• 1 3/4 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Cream Butter, Sugar, and Molasses: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and molasses until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition for a uniform batter.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, ground ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, careful not to overmix to maintain chewiness.
5. Spread and Bake the Batter: Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are fully baked.
6. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish to ensure the frosting won’t melt when applied.
7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and spreadable.
8. Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars using a spatula or knife.
9. Serve and Store: Cut into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• For a stronger ginger flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
• Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the cream cheese topping from melting.
• You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but texture may vary slightly.
• These bars can be made ahead; just refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a squeeze of lemon juice for tang.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: gingerbread bars, gingerbread cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, chewy gingerbread, easy gingerbread recipe