Gingerbread Cookie Bars: 10 Reasons to Love Them

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Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of holiday cheer and deliciousness. These warmly spiced treats bake up soft and cozy, creating a festive aroma that fills the kitchen with comfort. Finished with a silky cream cheese frosting, they’re a delightful way to celebrate the season. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these cookie bars are sure to please!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookie Bars

There are countless reasons to adore these gingerbread cookie bars! First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to choice for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. These bars are not only soft but also chewy, ensuring a satisfying texture in every bite. Additionally, the rich blend of spices, including ginger and cinnamon, creates a warm, inviting flavor that embodies the essence of the holidays. With a creamy frosting on top, they transform into a luxurious dessert that everyone will love. Perfect as gingerbread cookie treats or gingerbread cookie squares, they also make a great addition to your holiday dessert table. Finally, these bars can easily be adapted for special diets, with options for gluten-free gingerbread cookie bars recipe or vegan gingerbread cookie bars options.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

2.5 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
1.75 teaspoons baking soda (for proper lift)
2.25 teaspoons ground ginger (fresh and aromatic)
1.1 teaspoons ground cinnamon (warm and sweet)
0.3 teaspoon ground allspice (finely ground)
0.3 teaspoon ground cloves (potent and fragrant)
0.3 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
1 small pinch ground black pepper (just enough for warmth)
0.3 teaspoon fine salt (to balance sweetness)
0.85 cup unsalted butter melted (not too hot)
0.55 cup packed dark brown sugar (for deeper molasses flavor)
0.55 cup granulated sugar (regular white sugar)
0.37 cup unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap for mild sweetness)
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (at room temperature for smooth mixing)
1.1 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure not imitation)
6.5 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
2.5 tablespoons unsalted butter (soft and pliable)
1.65 cups powdered sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)
1.1 teaspoons vanilla extract (for the frosting)
1 small pinch ground ginger (for gentle spice)
1 small pinch ground cinnamon (to echo the cookie flavor)
1 small pinch ground allspice (for warmth)
Optional sprinkles (for a festive finish)

How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Set the oven to 350°F (177°C), position a rack in the center, and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting later.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar, white sugar, and molasses until smooth and glossy, then whisk in the egg, extra yolk, and vanilla.
Step 4: Scrape the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until no dry patches remain and a thick, shiny dough forms.
Step 5: Spread the dough into the prepared pan and press it into an even, smooth layer, even though it seems thin.
Step 6: Bake until the surface looks set but still soft and a toothpick inserted shows only a few moist crumbs, about 26–29 minutes.
Step 7: Place the pan on a rack and let the bars cool completely in the pan, at least 1 hour, so they can firm up.
Step 8: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and fluffy, scraping the bowl as needed.
Step 9: Add the powdered sugar, spices, and vanilla, then mix on low briefly before beating on high until creamy and fully blended.
Step 10: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars in an even layer and add sprinkles if using, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes to help it set.
Step 11: Lift the slab out using the parchment, transfer to a board, and slice into squares for serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher bars.
Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot to prevent scrambling the eggs.
For an extra festive touch, consider adding chocolate chips to the dough.
Remember, these bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. (Method: Baking)

Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These delightful bars can be served in various ways. For a festive touch, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Alternatively, you can cut them into gingerbread cookie rectangles and drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for added sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea during the chilly holidays. If you’re looking for gingerbread cookie bars with frosting, these bars are perfect as they come with a luscious cream cheese topping.

How to Store and Reheat Gingerbread Cookie Bars

To store your gingerbread cookie bars, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. These bars are also great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat whenever you need a pick-me-up!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

The secret lies in balancing the spices and ensuring the dough is not overmixed. Using fresh spices enhances the flavor, making these bars irresistible.

Can I make Gingerbread Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. In fact, they tend to taste even better after a night in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, be sure to measure your flour correctly and not skip the cooling time. Cooling allows the bars to firm up and makes cutting easier.

Variations of Gingerbread Cookie Bars You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are numerous variations of these gingerbread cookie bars you can explore. Consider making gingerbread cookie bars with chocolate chips for a delightful twist, or try a gluten-free gingerbread cookie bars recipe using almond flour. For those who prefer a less sweet option, you can create no-bake gingerbread cookie bar recipes that are just as satisfying. Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment with different frostings, like a simple icing or a vegan cream topping for a plant-based version!