Gingerbread Cookie Bars

If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of spices and a treat that’s soft, flavorful, and absolutely perfect for sharing, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars are your new holiday favorite. This simple recipe combines classic gingerbread flavors in a convenient bar format that’s easy to bake, cut, and share — making every bite a cozy celebration of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional cookie baking, these bars come together fast with fewer steps and less mess.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: You get that perfect tender bite that’s not too crunchy or dry, making every mouthful delightful.
• Rich Spices: A harmonious blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills your kitchen and your taste buds with holiday magic.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares to serve at parties, food exchanges, or as gifts for friends and family.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with add-ins or toppings to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Gingerbread Cookie Bars lies in the simplicity and accessibility of the ingredients. Each item plays an important role in delivering the right balance of sweetness, spice, and texture that makes this dessert so irresistible.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure, ensuring the bars hold together perfectly without crumbling.
• Molasses: Adds deep, rich flavor and moisture, essential for that classic gingerbread taste.
• Brown Sugar: Brings sweetness with a touch of caramel undertones and helps keep bars tender.
• Ground Ginger: The star spice, delivering that signature warm and slightly pungent punch.
• Cinnamon and Cloves: Complement the ginger to create a festive spice blend that’s fragrant and flavorful.
• Baking Soda: Ensures the bars rise ever so slightly, giving a lightness without fluffiness.
• Butter: Adds richness and a buttery softness important for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together, while adding moisture and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all flavors with its sweet, floral notes.

Variations for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Whether you want to enhance flavors, accommodate allergies, or try something new, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars adapt easily to your kitchen creativity.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with ginger.
• Chocolate Delight: Sprinkle in dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make these bars accessible for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Vegan Version: Use a flax egg and plant-based butter alternatives to keep the bars soft and flavorful without animal products.
• Orange Zest: Stir in fresh orange zest for a citrusy brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the spices.

How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your Gingerbread Cookie Bars come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt. This dry spice blend sets the flavorful foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds a creamy base that keeps the bars tender.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Blend in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Fold

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs make mixing easier and improve texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove from oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs for a perfectly soft bar.
• Use Fresh Spices: For the most vibrant flavor, use freshly ground spices if possible.
• Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate bars briefly to get clean, neat pieces without crumbling.
• Even Layering: Spread batter evenly to avoid uneven baking and ensure consistent thickness.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the bars for a snowy effect, or add a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm spices and add creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange bars on festive platters lined with holiday-themed parchment, or stack them in gift boxes tied with twine for an inviting edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to preserve freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to restore that freshly baked softness and enhance flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

While you can substitute regular granulated sugar, brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor making the bars softer and more flavorful.

Are these Gingerbread Cookie Bars gluten-free?

The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

How do I make these bars vegan?

Replace the egg with a flax or chia egg and use plant-based butter alternatives to create delicious vegan Gingerbread Cookie Bars.

Can I add frosting or icing on top?

Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting or simple vanilla glaze pairs beautifully with the spicy bars for extra sweetness.

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

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze tightly wrapped for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars offer a comforting blend of spice, sweetness, and soft texture that’s hard to resist. With such simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again — sharing warmth and happiness in every bite.

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