Description
These Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a festive, soft dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Infused with a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they offer the ideal combination of spice and sweetness. Easy to prepare and great for any occasion, these cookie bars are a comforting treat that will quickly become a holiday favorite. Whether for a gift exchange, family celebration, or a cozy winter treat, these bars are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Bars:
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer or handheld beaters, beat melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and beat until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
- Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bars are darker and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Frost the cooled bars with cream cheese frosting and garnish with holiday sprinkles, if desired. Slice into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra texture.
- For a lighter frosting, consider using a powdered sugar glaze or whipped cream instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
