Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic gingerbread cookies, combining warm spices and a rich cream cheese frosting. These bars are not only easy to make but also bring the holiday spirit to life with their sweet aroma and festive appearance. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they are an experience! Here are several reasons to love them:

Moist and flavorful, bursting with spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Quick and easy, perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
Ideal for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Versatile enough to be served plain or with frosting.
Can be made gluten-free or vegan with simple substitutions.
Great for meal prep, as they store well for several days.

These bars are a perfect example of gingerbread dessert bars that everyone will enjoy, making them a must-try during the holidays.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles, if desired

How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Beat in the egg until smooth, then add the molasses and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 6: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are set.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and cool completely before frosting.
Step 8: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
Step 9: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled gingerbread bars. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Step 10: Slice into 24 bars and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use soft butter for the best results.
Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Store in an airtight container for freshness, keeping them delicious for days.
For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips for gingerbread cookie bars with chocolate chips.

Best Ways to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These bars are versatile! Here are a few serving ideas:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
Add a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Store these delicious bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for extended storage. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds until just warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

The key to perfect gingerbread cookie squares is to not overmix the batter. This keeps the bars soft and chewy!

Can I make Gingerbread Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just frost them right before serving for the best flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to avoid a runny mess.

Variations of Gingerbread Cookie Bars You Can Try

Get creative with your gingerbread cookie cake! Here are some fun variations:

Make gluten-free gingerbread cookie bars by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Try a vegan gingerbread cookie bars version using flax eggs and dairy-free butter.
Add dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor.

For more festive recipes, check out our Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze or Christmas Black Forest Trifle.

Delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars for the Holidays - Gingerbread Cookie Bars - additional detail

For more tips on baking, you can visit Last Recipes for inspiration.

Delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars for the Holidays

Author: basmer
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these moist and flavorful Gingerbread Cookie Bars, bursting with classic warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and optional festive sprinkles, these bars are the perfect holiday treat that combine the taste of traditional gingerbread cookies with the ease of a bar dessert.

Instructions

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg until smooth, then add the molasses and mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together for about 4 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat for another 4 minutes.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Slice into 24 bars. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for extended storage.