Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are an irresistible twist on classic gingerbread cookies, delivering all the warm spices and molasses goodness you love in an easy, bar-cookie format. Soft, chewy, and topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a festive treat any time of year. They're simpler to make than traditional cut-out cookies, but just as flavorful and impressive. Let’s dive into this easy step-by-step guide to create these delicious, spiced treats!

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What Are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a soft and chewy bar cookie variation of the classic gingerbread cookie. They feature the signature combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, offering a warm, spiced flavor perfect for the colder months. Unlike traditional rolled and cut-out gingerbread cookies, these bars are baked in a single sheet, making them faster and easier to prepare. To make them even more indulgent, the bars are often topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, adding a creamy contrast to the spiced cookie base. They’re perfect for baking in large batches for holiday parties, or as an alternative to classic cookies when you're short on time.

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Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Before starting, gather the following ingredients to make sure the process goes smoothly:

For the Gingerbread Bars:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup molasses (unsulphured)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

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Substitutions and Variations

If you need to adjust the recipe based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences, here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum to help maintain the chewy texture.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the frosting. Coconut oil can also work in place of butter in the bars.
• Spice Variation: If you prefer a less spicy gingerbread, reduce the amount of ground ginger or omit the cloves. For more spice, consider adding a pinch of black pepper or allspice for an extra kick.
• Lemon Frosting: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting for a bright, citrusy contrast to the warm spices.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Gingerbread Cookie Bars is incredibly easy, especially compared to traditional rolled cookies. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven:

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

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough will be thick but soft.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

5. Press Dough into the Pan:

• Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the pan, smoothing out the top.

6. Bake the Bars:

• Bake the gingerbread 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, as you want the bars to remain soft and chewy.
• Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully combined and smooth.
• Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.

8. Frost the Gingerbread Bars:

• Once the gingerbread bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. For a more decorative touch, you can pipe the frosting in swirls or patterns.

9. Slice and Serve:

• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.

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

1. Creaming Butter and Sugar: Start by beating the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which creates a soft, tender crumb in the bars.
2. Mixing the Spices: Incorporating the warm spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg) into the dry ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the bars.
3. Baking to Perfection: The key is to bake just until set; overbaking can make the bars dry instead of soft and chewy.
4. Frosting: Cream cheese frosting adds the perfect tangy-sweet contrast to the spiced cookie bars, making them extra indulgent.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking: Gingerbread cookie bars should be soft and chewy. Baking them too long will dry them out, so keep a close eye on the oven, and test with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
2. Not Chilling the Dough: Some recipes call for chilling gingerbread dough, but in this case, it’s not necessary. Simply press the dough into the pan after mixing, and bake immediately.
3. Frosting While Warm: Be sure to wait until the bars are fully cooled before applying the cream cheese frosting, or it will melt and become runny.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfect for holiday parties, but with a few presentation touches, they can really steal the show.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• Serve the bars as a part of a holiday dessert platter, alongside other festive treats like sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, or peppermint bark.
• Pair them with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a spiced latte to enhance the warm, cozy flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• Holiday Sprinkle Topping: After frosting the bars, sprinkle holiday-themed decorations like red and green sugar crystals, or festive sprinkles, for a fun and colorful touch.
• Drizzle with Caramel: For extra indulgence, drizzle the frosted bars with salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Decorative Frosting: Instead of spreading the frosting flat, use a piping bag to add decorative swirls or stars across the top of the bars.

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Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly and ensures a uniform texture in both the bars and the frosting.
• Adjusting the Spice: If you prefer more or less spice, feel free to adjust the amount of ginger, cinnamon, or cloves to suit your taste.
• Storage: Store the gingerbread bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re best served at room temperature, so allow them to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars in advance?
A: Yes! You can bake the gingerbread cookie bars a day ahead and frost them just before serving. Store them in the refrigerator if making in advance, and allow them to come to room temperature before frosting and serving.

Q: Can I freeze Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted bars. Once the bars have completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and frost them once thawed.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting, but homemade frosting tends to have a fresher, more flavorful taste.

Q: How do I prevent my bars from being too dry?
A: Be careful not to overbake the bars. Check them around the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re done.

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Conclusion

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to bring a festive touch to your holiday baking. With their soft, spiced base and rich cream cheese frosting, they offer a delightful twist on classic gingerbread cookies without the need for rolling, cutting, or decorating. This recipe is ideal for when you want a quick and easy dessert that still delivers a comforting, holiday-worthy flavor. Whether you serve them at a family gathering, wrap them as gifts, or enjoy them with a warm drink, these gingerbread cookie bars will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Happy baking!

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