Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

If you're looking for a warm, festive treat to capture the essence of the holiday season, look no further than these delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars. They offer the perfect balance of spicy ginger, warm cinnamon, and sweet molasses, all topped with a luscious spiced cream cheese frosting. Whether you're planning for a holiday gathering or just want to indulge in the flavors of the season, this recipe is a must-try. Follow along to learn all the steps, tips, and variations to make your perfect batch of gingerbread cookie bars.

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What Are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic gingerbread cookies. Instead of rolling and cutting the dough into shapes, the dough is spread evenly in a baking pan and cut into bars after baking. The soft and chewy texture of the bars combined with the iconic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses make them a festive favorite during the holidays. To elevate the flavor, these bars are topped with a creamy, spiced cream cheese frosting, adding the perfect sweet and tangy finish.

Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Here’s everything you need to make these scrumptious gingerbread cookie bars:

• 2 and ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the dough.
• 1 and ½ teaspoons baking soda – Helps the bars rise and keeps them light and fluffy.
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger – The star spice that gives these bars their signature warmth and spice.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a cozy sweetness to complement the ginger.
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice – Offers a warm, peppery flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – Another warm spice that deepens the holiday flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a slight earthy sweetness.
• Small pinch of ground black pepper – Enhances the other spices by adding a subtle heat.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
• ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar – Dark brown sugar is recommended for a deeper molasses flavor.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the texture.
• ⅓ cup (80ml) unsulphured or dark molasses – Adds a rich, deep sweetness and the essential gingerbread flavor.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.

Ingredients List for Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

For the decadent spiced cream cheese frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature – Provides the tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
• 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature – Adds richness and helps with the smooth texture of the frosting.
• 1 and ½ cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, & allspice – Enhances the spice profile and complements the gingerbread bars.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds a sweet, warming flavor.
• Optional for garnish: ¼ cup (43g) sprinkles – Add a festive touch, perfect for the holidays.

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
2. Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
3. Sugar Substitutes: You can replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic option.
4. Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of ginger and cloves. For more intense spice, add a bit more ground ginger or even some chili powder.
5. Toppings: Besides sprinkles, try adding chopped candied ginger, chocolate chips, or crushed peppermint for different textures and flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Set this aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until well combined. Stir in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
5. Spread into Pan: Spread the gingerbread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting them.

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

Making gingerbread cookie bars is an easy process once you follow the steps carefully. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Measure Your Ingredients: Start by measuring out all of your ingredients to ensure you have everything ready before you begin. This helps avoid any interruptions while mixing and baking.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for best results. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, giving you a better texture.
3. Do Not Overmix the Dough: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense bars.
4. Cool Before Frosting: Ensure the bars are completely cooled before applying the frosting. Frosting warm bars will cause the cream cheese to melt, making a mess.
5. Spreading the Frosting: Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter, eggs, and cream cheese can result in a lumpy batter and frosting. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother texture.
2. Skipping the Parchment Paper: This step ensures easy removal from the pan. Skipping this can result in sticky, hard-to-remove bars.
3. Overbaking: Baking the bars for too long will make them dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Not Cooling Before Frosting: Make sure the bars are completely cool before adding the frosting. Applying frosting too early will cause it to melt.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These gingerbread cookie bars are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you're preparing for a holiday event or simply enjoying them at home, presentation matters.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Slice the Bars Evenly: For a clean, professional look, use a sharp knife to cut the gingerbread cookie bars into squares or rectangles.
• Serve Warm: For an extra cozy treat, serve the bars slightly warm, either with or without the frosting. Warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream are heavenly.
• Chilled: These bars are also delicious when chilled, especially with the cream cheese frosting firmed up in the fridge.

Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Festive Garnish: Add a sprinkle of festive red, green, or gold sprinkles on top of the frosting for a holiday look.
• Candied Ginger: Top each bar with a piece of candied ginger for a sophisticated finish.
• Holiday Display: Arrange the bars on a festive platter, and add holiday decorations like pinecones, ornaments, or candy canes around the platter for a beautiful holiday display.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: The bars can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
2. Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
3. Spreading Frosting: For an even layer of frosting, use an offset spatula and make long, smooth strokes.
4. Adding Extra Spice: If you're a fan of intense ginger flavor, feel free to add more ground ginger to the dough.
5. Personalize: You can personalize the frosting by adding food coloring or flavored extracts to suit your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the bars up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container. The frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated.

Q: Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars?
A: Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While you can substitute margarine for butter, the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Butter is recommended for the best taste.

Q: How long will these bars stay fresh?
A: When stored in an airtight container, gingerbread cookie bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or 1 week in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, by using a gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute, you can easily make these bars gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the beloved flavors of gingerbread with the ease and convenience of cookie bars. Topped with a delectable spiced cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in something sweet and spicy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of the season!

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