If you’re in the mood for a cozy and festive dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars are just what you need! Soft, chewy, and filled with warm spices, these bars are the perfect way to indulge in the flavors of gingerbread without the fuss of rolling out cookie dough.
What makes these cookie bars so special is their rich ginger flavor combined with a hint of molasses and spices, making them a delightful treat for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire!
Resume of the Recipe
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars feature a soft and chewy gingerbread base topped with a sweet icing drizzle. Ready in about 30 minutes (plus cooling time), these bars are a deliciously festive treat that will impress anyone who tries them!
With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up these scrumptious bars in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Exciting Story:
The first time I made Gingerbread Cookie Bars, it was during a chilly December afternoon, and I wanted to create something that would fill the house with the warm scents of the holidays. As I mixed the spices and molasses into the batter, the comforting aroma enveloped my kitchen, instantly putting everyone in the holiday spirit.
Once baked and cooled, the bars looked absolutely inviting, and the first bite was pure bliss—the soft texture paired perfectly with the rich ginger flavor. These Gingerbread Cookie Bars have since become a beloved tradition in our home, perfect for holiday parties and cozy gatherings!
Why These Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
- Warm and Spicy: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a delightful flavor that embodies the spirit of the season.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these bars are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them great for holiday gatherings!
How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan.
- Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Drizzle the Icing: Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the icing over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve your Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Enjoy the festive flavors of the season!
Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor of your bars.
- Let Them Cool: Allowing the bars to cool completely will make them easier to slice.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Use Different Flours: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option.
Make a Healthier Version
- Substitute half the butter with applesauce and reduce the sugar for a lighter option.
Closing
And there you have it! These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a deliciously festive treat that will impress anyone who tries them. Don’t forget to let us know how your bars turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful holiday goodies!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. - What can I use instead of molasses?
You can use dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. - How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. - Can I add other flavors?
Yes! A splash of almond extract can create a wonderful flavor twist. - What if I want to make it spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a warm spice! - What sides pair well with these bars?
Serve with a warm cup of spiced tea or apple cider for a delightful pairing! - How can I make this more festive?
Consider decorating with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a beautiful presentation! - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature; it’s not recommended to reheat them. - Can I use flavored extracts in the recipe?
Yes! You can use different flavored extracts to enhance the flavor of the bars. - How can I enhance the flavors?
Consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting for an extra treat!
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Bars:
1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup 1/2 molasses
1 large 1 egg
2 cups 2 all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons 2 ground ginger
1 teaspoon 1 ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon 1 baking soda
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 salt
For the Icing:
1 cup 1 powdered sugar
2 tablespoons 2 milk
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, mixing until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool in the pan.
- Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Drizzle the Icing: Once the bars have cooled completely, drizzle the icing over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares and serve your Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Enjoy the festive flavors of the season!
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