Name: Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter; 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar; 1/4 cup (85 grams) molasses; 2 large eggs; Cream cheese frosting

Sweet memories of winter gatherings dance through my kitchen when I whip up these delightful gingerbread cookie bars.

Cozy aromas of warm spices instantly fill the room with nostalgic comfort.

Molasses and cinnamon create a magical blend that whispers traditional holiday cheer.

Soft, chewy textures promise a delectable treat that melts in your mouth.

Baking these bars feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of seasonal joy.

Each bite connects you to generations of cherished family recipes.

Treat yourself to a moment of pure, spiced happiness that celebrates the magic of the season.

Quick Family Delight: Perfect for busy parents wanting a festive treat that comes together in under 30 minutes, requiring minimal kitchen skills.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these gingerbread bars in advance and store them in an airtight container, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or last-minute dessert needs.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic holiday spice flavors in an easy-to-serve bar format that appeals to both kids and adults, eliminating the complexity of traditional cut-out cookies.
Versatile Seasonal Treat: Adaptable for multiple occasions like Christmas parties, potlucks, school events, or cozy weekend baking projects with minimal special equipment required.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cookie bars, providing structure and texture.
Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Classic spices that give the signature warm, aromatic gingerbread flavor.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the gingerbread.

Wet Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender, moist texture.
Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and moisture with a caramel-like undertone.
Molasses: Gives the authentic gingerbread color and rich, complex sweetness.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bars.

Topping (Optional):

Cream Cheese Frosting: A creamy, tangy complement to the spicy gingerbread bars.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), preparing a cozy baking environment for your delicious gingerbread cookie bars.

Step 2: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

Grab your mixer and blend together:

Softened butter
Brown sugar
Molasses

Whirl these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, creamy mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Introduce the Eggs

Crack in the eggs and mix thoroughly, creating a rich and velvety base for your gingerbread bars.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, create a magical spice blend by whisking together:

All-purpose flour
Ground ginger
Cinnamon
Cloves
Baking soda
Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well integrated and free of any lumps.

Step 5: Marry the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a consistent dough forms.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch pan thoroughly, ensuring every corner is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Spread the Dough

Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

The bars are ready when the center looks set and slightly golden.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the gingerbread bars to cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into delectable squares and serve.

Gingerbread Bars With Expert Finishing Touches

Choose fresh, high-quality ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for maximum flavor depth and authentic gingerbread taste.
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy, which ensures a softer, more tender bar texture.
Check bars at 18 minutes and remove immediately when center looks set to maintain moisture and prevent dry edges.
Make cream cheese frosting for classic flavor or try vanilla glaze for lighter sweetness that complements gingerbread's rich spices.
Substitute gluten-free flour blend for regular flour to make these bars celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.

Store cooled gingerbread bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn.
Warm refrigerated bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for soft, delicious texture.
Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Pair Spicy Gingerbread with Complementary Beverages: Warm chai tea highlights the cookie's warming spices and creates a cozy flavor harmony.
Create a Festive Dessert Experience: Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the rich, spicy gingerbread bars, balancing intense flavors.
Match with Seasonal Drink Companions: Mulled wine offers a sophisticated adult pairing that echoes the gingerbread's warm spice profile and holiday spirit.
Enhance Flavor Complexity: Caramel latte complements the molasses undertones, adding depth and creating a luxurious tasting experience that elevates the dessert.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Spice Bars: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Gingerbread Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly dessert.
Dairy-Free Friendly Version: Use margarine or plant-based butter alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining rich, classic gingerbread flavor.

FAQs

What are the key spices in gingerbread cookie bars?

Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are the traditional warm spices that give these bars their classic holiday flavor and aromatic profile.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help maintain the bar’s texture and structure.

How do I know when the gingerbread bars are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly firm center. When a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done.

Why does the recipe use molasses?

Molasses provides a deep, rich sweetness and contributes to the signature dark color and robust flavor of traditional gingerbread, creating a more complex taste profile than using sugar alone.

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts.

Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.