Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat, bringing festive cheer with their rich ginger molasses flavor and soft, chewy texture. Topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting, they make an ideal dessert for gatherings, parties, or even cozy family nights at home. Enjoy them as a delightful sweet that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are perfect for bakers of any skill level.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm gingerbread taste that is sure to please everyone.
• Versatile Treat: These bars can be enjoyed as a dessert, a snack, or even a festive gift for friends and family.
• Perfectly Frosted: The creamy frosting adds a delightful contrast to the spiced bars, elevating the overall experience.
• Batch Baking Friendly: This recipe yields 15 bars, making it ideal for sharing at parties or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and enhance your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without creating a mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.

Ingredients

These easy gingerbread cookie bars have a delicious ginger molasses flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Instead of royal icing – they’re topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting for the perfect Christmas treat!

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 unsulphered molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk (discard the egg white)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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)

How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
* In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
* The softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
* Add in the molasses, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture:
* Stir gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your bars tender.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan:
* Spread it evenly using a spatula.
* Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

While the bars are cooling:
* In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
* Gradually add powdered sugar and whipping cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost & Serve

Once cooled:
* Spread an even layer of frosting over the top of the gingerbread cookie bars.
* Cut into squares and serve! Enjoy these delightful treats at any occasion.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy family night, these bars can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.

With Festive Toppings

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and complements the rich flavors.
• Crushed Peppermint – Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a refreshing crunch and festive flair.
• Chopped Nuts – Add some texture with chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled over the frosting.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies – Pair gingerbread cookie bars with other holiday cookies like sugar cookies or snickerdoodles for variety.
• Fruit Slices – Fresh fruit like apples, oranges, or pears adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the bars.

With Beverages

• Spiced Tea – Serve with a warm cup of spiced tea to enhance the cozy flavor profile of gingerbread.
• Hot Chocolate – For chocolate lovers, hot cocoa is a perfect pairing, especially when topped with marshmallows.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Making perfect gingerbread cookie bars involves attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Start with softened butter and eggs to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix just until combined to keep your bars soft and chewy rather than tough.
• Adjust Baking Time Carefully – Check for doneness around 20 minutes; you want them slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
• Allow Cooling Before Frosting – Let the bars cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting into the bars.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread cookie bars can shine even brighter when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of gingerbread.
2. Pumpkin Pie Dip – A creamy dip that echoes autumn flavors, perfect for dipping smaller pieces of gingerbread bars.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can provide a savory balance against the sweet cookie bars.
4. Apple Crisp – Warm apple crisp brings a cozy warmth that pairs well with ginger-spiced treats.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that enhances the bar’s flavors.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness and warm spices complement gingerbread nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making gingerbread cookie bars can be fun, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Boldly skip measuring: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right balance for perfect texture.
• Boldly ignore room temperature: Ingredients like butter and cream cheese should be at room temperature. This helps create a smooth frosting and evenly mixed batter.
• Boldly rush the mixing: Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until combined for a light, chewy texture.
• Boldly skip cooling time: Allow the bars to cool before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
• Boldly overlook storage: Improper storage can dry out your bars. Use airtight containers for freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store gingerbread cookie bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Boldly use an oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat bars for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Boldly opt for a microwave: Place one bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Boldly consider stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat. Warm each bar gently, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making gingerbread cookie bars:

How do I make my Gingerbread Cookie Bars more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like nutmeg or cloves can enhance the flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of molasses.

Can I customize my Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to store Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Why did my Gingerbread Cookie Bars turn out dry?

Dryness often comes from overbaking or not measuring flour correctly. Make sure to check your oven and measure accurately.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

These gingerbread cookie bars are not only delicious but also versatile! With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavors, they make a perfect holiday treat. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins!