Indulge in the festive cheer with these delectable Gingerbread Bars, a perfect holiday treat designed for sharing. Each bar boasts a delightfully chewy texture, infused with a symphony of warm, aromatic spices. Crowned with a luscious vanilla cream cheese frosting and adorned with vibrant festive sprinkles, these easy-to-make cookie bars are an absolute must-have for your Christmas celebrations, promising joy to the entire family!
As the holiday season draws near, the aroma of gingerbread is a truly magical signal that festive baking has begun. This classic flavor, beloved for generations, takes center stage in our fantastic Gingerbread Bars recipe. Forget the fuss of intricate cookie cut-outs; these bars offer all the quintessential gingerbread taste and texture in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format. They are not just a recipe; they are a cherished tradition in many homes, effortlessly combining the comforting warmth of spices with the cool tang of cream cheese frosting.
Every year, these Gingerbread Bars take their rightful place among my holiday baking favorites, alongside other irresistible treats like Rolo Pretzel Bites and decadent Oreo Fudge. Their straightforward preparation makes them ideal for busy holiday schedules, ensuring you can whip up a batch of these festive delights without stress. With their rich flavor, tender chew, and vibrant decorations, they truly embody the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Magic of Gingerbread
- Key Ingredients and Their Roles
- Baking the Perfect Gingerbread Bars
- Crafting the Creamy Frosting
- Expert Tips for Success
- Storage and Freezing Guidelines
- Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- More Holiday Desserts to Explore
- Gingerbread Bars Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Bars
Beyond the charm of classic cookies and beloved candies, cookie bars hold a special place at Christmas parties and festive gatherings. These Gingerbread Bars offer a fantastic, time-saving alternative when you need a delicious holiday treat without the meticulous effort of decorating individual gingerbread men or scooping dozens of drop cookies. They encapsulate everything wonderful about gingerbread in a convenient, sliceable format, making them perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire.
What makes these bars truly irresistible is their impeccable balance of flavor and texture. Each bite delivers a perfectly spiced kick, thanks to a thoughtful blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, creating that quintessential warm and inviting gingerbread profile. The bars themselves are wonderfully chewy, a characteristic that makes them so satisfying. To elevate them to pure holiday dessert perfection, they are generously topped with a silky-smooth, sweet vanilla cream cheese frosting. And of course, no festive treat is complete without a shower of vibrant green and red sprinkles, adding a joyful pop of color that instantly screams “Christmas!”
The Magic of Gingerbread: A Holiday Classic
Gingerbread is more than just a flavor; it’s an emblem of the holiday season, evoking memories of warmth, family, and celebration. Its distinctive spicy aroma, stemming from a blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, instantly fills the kitchen with a comforting fragrance that is uniquely Christmas. These Gingerbread Bars capture that very essence. The molasses not only contributes to the deep, rich flavor but also plays a crucial role in giving these bars their signature chewy texture, a delightful contrast to the soft, fluffy frosting. They’re a simple yet profound way to bring the traditional taste of the holidays into your home, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet moment of peace amidst the festive hustle and bustle.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles in Flavor & Texture
Crafting the perfect Gingerbread Bar relies on a careful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that sought-after flavor and texture profile. Understanding these components will not only help you recreate this recipe flawlessly but also give you insight into potential substitutions if needed.
- **Unsalted Butter:** Forms the rich base of both the bars and the frosting. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the recipe. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
- **Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar:** Granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to the chewiness of the bars. Powdered sugar is essential for the smooth, creamy consistency of the frosting.
- **Molasses:** This is the star ingredient for that deep, complex gingerbread flavor and its distinct chewiness. Dark molasses, like Grandma’s brand, is often preferred for its robust taste.
- **Large Egg:** Acts as a binder, adding structure and moisture to the cookie bars, helping them achieve their tender yet chewy consistency.
- **All-Purpose Flour:** Provides the main structure for the bars. Measure it correctly by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense bars.
- **Baking Soda:** A crucial leavening agent that reacts with the molasses (an acidic ingredient) to help the bars rise and become tender.
- **Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Ginger):** This aromatic quartet creates the quintessential gingerbread flavor. Freshly ground spices will yield the most potent and vibrant taste. Adjust to your personal preference for a bolder or milder spice profile.
- **Salt:** Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and making the spices sing.
- **Cream Cheese:** The foundation of our dreamy frosting, providing a delightful tang that perfectly complements the spiced gingerbread. Make sure it’s softened.
- **Vanilla Extract:** Adds a layer of warm sweetness and depth to the cream cheese frosting.
Baking the Perfect Gingerbread Bars: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful Gingerbread Bars is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. The key is to follow each step carefully to ensure a perfectly chewy, spiced base ready for its creamy topping. Always start by gathering all your ingredients and tools, making the baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
- **Preparation is Key:** Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the cooled bars out later. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- **Creaming the Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds until it’s light and smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating for another 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step incorporates air, contributing to the bars’ texture.
- **Adding the Liquids:** Carefully incorporate the large egg and molasses into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium-low speed just until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; simply ensure everything is well integrated.
- **Mixing the Dry Ingredients:** In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, especially the leavening agents and spices.
- **Combining Wet and Dry:** Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat on low speed until the flour is just incorporated and the dough is thick and sticky. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
- **Spreading the Dough:** Transfer the thick cookie dough into your prepared 13″ x 9″ baking pan. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan. It might be sticky, so a lightly greased hand can help smooth it out.
- **Baking to Perfection:** Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the top of the bars appears dry and set. The bars will puff up significantly during baking but will gracefully deflate as they cool. This is perfectly normal and contributes to their chewy texture.
- **Cooling Completely:** Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial; frosting warm bars will result in a melty, messy topping. Patience is a virtue here!
Crafting the Creamy Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting
No Gingerbread Bar is truly complete without a generous layer of velvety vanilla cream cheese frosting. Its cool, tangy sweetness provides the perfect counterpoint to the warm, spicy notes of the gingerbread. This frosting is incredibly easy to make and comes together quickly while your bars are cooling.
- **Whip the Base:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter. Beat with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure both ingredients are at room temperature to prevent lumps.
- **Add Flavor and Sweetness:** Pour in the vanilla extract and gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and thick. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed in.
- **Frost and Decorate:** Once your gingerbread bars have cooled completely, evenly spread the prepared cream cheese frosting over the entire surface. For an extra festive touch, immediately scatter red, white, and green sprinkles, or even tiny gingerbread man candies, over the frosting before it sets. Cut into squares and serve these delightful holiday treats!
Expert Tips for Perfectly Chewy Gingerbread Bars
Achieving the best Gingerbread Bars involves a few simple tricks that can elevate your baking from good to extraordinary. Keep these tips in mind for consistently delicious results:
- **Room Temperature Ingredients are Essential:** For both the cookie bars and the frosting, ensure your butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows for proper emulsification, leading to a smoother dough and a creamier frosting without lumps.
- **Measure Flour Accurately:** Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly bars. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge. Do not scoop directly from the bag.
- **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense bars instead of chewy ones.
- **Parchment Paper is Your Friend:** Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy, allowing for clean cuts and presentation.
- **Watch for Doneness:** Gingerbread bars are done when the top looks set and dry, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking will result in dry bars. Remember, they will continue to set slightly as they cool.
- **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** This cannot be stressed enough! Applying frosting to warm bars will cause it to melt and slide off, creating a messy situation. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature.
- **Adjust Spices to Taste:** The spice blend in this recipe is perfectly balanced, but feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger to suit your preference for a stronger or milder flavor.
- **Get Creative with Sprinkles:** While red, white, and green sprinkles are classic, feel free to experiment with other festive decorations like edible glitter, candied ginger, or a dusting of cinnamon for an elegant touch.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and deliciousness of your Gingerbread Bars. Given they are made with molasses and generously topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, a little care goes a long way:
Storing Freshly Baked Bars:
Since these bars feature a cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended to keep them fresh and safe.
Place the cooled and frosted bars in an airtight container with a lid. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Before serving, allow the bars to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This brings out their best texture and flavor, ensuring the bars are perfectly chewy and the frosting is soft and creamy.
Freezing Gingerbread Bars:
Yes, these Gingerbread Bars are freezer-friendly, making them an excellent make-ahead option for the busy holiday season!
**For Freezing Unfrosted Bars:** Bake the cookie bars as directed and let them cool completely. Do NOT add the frosting at this stage. Once cooled, wrap the entire slab of bars (or individual cut bars) tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the unfrosted bars overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, prepare the cream cheese frosting as per the recipe, frost, decorate, and serve.
**For Freezing Frosted Bars:** While possible, it’s generally best to freeze unfrosted bars as the texture of cream cheese frosting can sometimes change slightly after freezing and thawing (it might become a little softer or weep slightly). If you must freeze frosted bars, ensure they are thoroughly chilled so the frosting is firm. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for an hour or two until the frosting is solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Gingerbread Bars are delicious on their own, but they can also be part of a larger festive spread or adapted to suit different tastes and occasions.
Serving Suggestions:
- **Holiday Dessert Platter:** Arrange them beautifully on a platter with other holiday treats like sugar cookies, shortbread, and chocolates.
- **Coffee & Tea Companion:** They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a spiced chai latte for a cozy afternoon treat.
- **Warm with Ice Cream:** For a truly decadent dessert, gently warm a bar and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- **Gift Giving:** Package individual bars or small trays in festive boxes or cellophane bags as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
Variations to Try:
- **Citrus Zest Frosting:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh orange or lemon zest to your cream cheese frosting for a bright, tangy twist that complements the spices.
- **Dark Chocolate Drizzle:** Once the frosting is set, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars for an extra layer of richness.
- **Candied Ginger Topping:** Chop some candied ginger and sprinkle it over the frosting along with the sprinkles for an intense ginger kick and lovely texture.
- **Nutty Crunch:** Fold a half cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the gingerbread dough for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- **Espresso Powder:** A teaspoon of espresso powder added to the dry ingredients can deepen the chocolate flavor and enhance the spices without making the bars taste like coffee.
- **Bourbon/Rum Frosting:** For an adult-friendly treat, a splash of bourbon or rum in the cream cheese frosting can add a sophisticated touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these Gingerbread Bars gluten-free?
A: While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can often substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture, but many bakers have success with this substitution. Always check the specific recommendations for your chosen gluten-free flour blend.
Q: What kind of molasses should I use?
A: For classic gingerbread flavor and chewiness, use unsulphured molasses. Brands like Grandma’s molasses (original or robust) are excellent choices. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is much stronger and more bitter, unless you prefer a very intense flavor.
Q: My frosting is too runny, what should I do?
A: If your frosting is too runny, it’s likely that your butter and/or cream cheese were too warm, or you added too little powdered sugar. Try adding another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, beating until thickened. If it’s still too soft, chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes, then beat again. This will help firm it up.
Q: My bars turned out dry, what went wrong?
A: Dry bars are often a result of overbaking or using too much flour. Ensure you measure your flour accurately (spoon and level), and always check for doneness at the lower end of the baking time. The tops should look set, and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Q: Can I use different spices?
A: Absolutely! While the provided spice blend is traditional, you can customize it. You could add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for extra complexity, or increase the ginger for a spicier kick. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
Q: How far in advance can I make these bars?
A: The unfrosted gingerbread base can be baked up to 2-3 days in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The frosting can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge, then re-whipped briefly before spreading. For best results, frost the bars the day you plan to serve them.
More Holiday Desserts to Explore
The holiday season is a wonderful time for baking and sharing sweet treats. If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to add to your festive repertoire, here are some fantastic options:
- Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Christmas Fudge
- Reese’s Fudge
- Easy Microwave Caramels
If you enjoyed making these delightful Gingerbread Bars, we would absolutely love to hear from you! Please share your experience in the comments section below and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Your feedback helps us improve and inspires other home bakers!
Gingerbread Bars
These Gingerbread Bars are chewy, perfectly spiced cookie bars topped with rich vanilla cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles. An easy and delicious Christmas dessert that the whole family will adore!
Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 18 mins
Total Time: 28 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 771 kcal
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Bars:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (12 tablespoons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup molasses (such as Grandma’s molasses)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter for 30 seconds with an electric mixer until smooth. Add granulated sugar and beat for 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and molasses, and beat on medium-low speed just until thoroughly combined.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the sugar-molasses mixture and beat on low speed until just combined and all flour is incorporated, forming a thick, sticky dough.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the top appears dry and the edges are lightly golden. The bars will puff up during baking and will deflate slightly while cooling.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
To make the frosting:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well until the frosting is fluffy, thick, and smooth.
- Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the completely cooled gingerbread bars.
- Dress up the frosted bars with festive red, white, and green sprinkles, or mini gingerbread man candies, if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on the specific products you use. The information provided below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise values.
Nutrition
Calories: 771kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 444mg | Potassium: 287mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 73g | Vitamin A: 1175IU | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2.8mg
This delightful recipe for Gingerbread Bars was originally published on December 9th, 2017, and has been updated on November 30th, 2019, to bring you the best possible holiday baking experience.