Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of the warm, spiced flavor of gingerbread cookies but want something a little easier to make, you're in the right place! These Gingerbread Cookie Bars bring together the classic holiday flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses in a soft, chewy bar form that’s incredibly easy to bake. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or just an indulgent treat, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Keep reading to discover the detailed step-by-step guide, ingredient tips, and variations to make these Gingerbread Cookie Bars truly unique.

What are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional gingerbread cookie. Instead of rolling out dough and cutting it into shapes, the dough is spread into a baking pan and baked as bars. They offer all the classic flavors of gingerbread — molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg — but with the ease and convenience of bar cookies. Perfectly soft in the center and slightly crispy around the edges, these bars are ideal for anyone looking for a quick, festive dessert that’s still packed with traditional holiday flavor.

Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses common pantry ingredients you likely already have:

1. All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups. This is the foundation of the cookie bar, providing structure and texture.
2. Ground ginger – 1 ½ teaspoons. The star spice in gingerbread, delivering that signature warmth and kick.
3. Ground cinnamon – 1 ½ teaspoons. Cinnamon complements ginger perfectly, adding richness and warmth.
4. Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon. Nutmeg brings an earthy depth to the mix.
5. Ground cloves – ¼ teaspoon. A little bit goes a long way with cloves, adding complexity to the spice profile.
6. Salt – ½ teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
7. Unsalted butter – ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks), softened. Butter gives the bars a rich, moist texture.
8. Brown sugar – 1 cup, packed. Adds sweetness and moisture with a caramel-like flavor.
9. Molasses – ½ cup. This is the key ingredient that makes gingerbread truly "gingerbread." It deepens the color and adds a distinct taste.
10. Egg – 1 large egg. Acts as a binding agent to hold the bars together.
11. Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon. Rounds out the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic touch.

Optional Toppings and Add-ins

• White chocolate chips – ½ cup for a sweet, creamy contrast to the spiced gingerbread.
• Powdered sugar glaze – For a more traditional gingerbread presentation, drizzle a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze over the bars once they’ve cooled.
• Candied ginger – If you’re a fan of a stronger ginger flavor, add finely chopped candied ginger into the batter.

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to switch things up? Here are some substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own:

• Butter substitutes: You can replace unsalted butter with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Molasses substitutes: If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or maple syrup can be used, though they won’t give the bars the same depth of flavor.
• Sugar alternatives: Swap out brown sugar with coconut sugar or date sugar for a less processed option.
• Spice it up: Feel free to add or substitute other spices such as allspice, cardamom, or even a pinch of black pepper for a unique flavor twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make these bars gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the bars.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough. If you’re adding in extras like white chocolate chips or candied ginger, fold them in now.

Step 6: Spread the Dough

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. The dough will be thick, so use a spatula to smooth it out.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake them; you want them to be soft and chewy.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles.

How to Cook Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Gingerbread Cookie Bars is a straightforward process, but these tips will help ensure they turn out perfect every time:

1. Use room temperature butter: This ensures the butter creams properly with the sugar, giving your bars a light, fluffy texture.
2. Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough bars.
3. Monitor baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at 20 minutes. The bars should be set in the middle but still soft when pressed lightly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: The key to chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars is not overbaking them. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Skipping the cooling time: It’s tempting to cut into these bars right away, but letting them cool ensures they hold their shape and makes cutting easier.
• Too much flour: Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour will make the bars dry.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Gingerbread Cookie Bars can elevate them from delicious to dazzling. Here are a few tips:

• Drizzle with glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk adds a sweet finishing touch.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For a snowy, festive look, lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar.
• Add festive sprinkles: For a fun holiday twist, add seasonal sprinkles before baking or as a garnish on top of the glaze.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These bars are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• On their own: They are delicious as-is with a soft, chewy texture and rich spice flavor.
• With whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, spiced bars.
• As a dessert platter: Pair the bars with other holiday treats like sugar cookies or fudge for a festive dessert platter.

Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Festive platter: Arrange the bars on a holiday-themed platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cranberries for a festive look.
• Gift wrapping: Stack bars in cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for a perfect edible holiday gift.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can intensify the flavors and make the bars even chewier.
• Make ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Yes! These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long do Gingerbread Cookie Bars last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these bars.

Can I add frosting to Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting works beautifully with these bars if you're looking for a sweeter, creamier topping.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect solution for anyone who loves the flavors of traditional gingerbread but wants a simpler, quicker way to enjoy them. From the soft, chewy texture to the warm, spiced aroma, these bars capture the essence of the holiday season in every bite. Whether you make them as a treat for your family or as a festive gift for friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!

Print