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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars using a spatula or knife.
- 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
