Name: Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; ½ cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Holiday sprinkles; Crushed gingerbread cookies

These delectable gingerbread cookie bars offer a warm, spicy twist on classic holiday treats.

Winter’s chill melts away with each aromatic bite of soft, chewy goodness.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen swirl through rich molasses and fragrant cinnamon notes.

Cozy afternoons become magical when you pull these sweet squares from the oven.

Filling your home with incredible scents that spark joy and comfort.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delightful experience for anyone who loves seasonal baking.

Sprinkle some festive cheer and dive into this irresistible recipe that will become your new favorite.

Holiday Spice Boost: Enhance the gingerbread flavor by adding extra ground cardamom and a touch of black pepper for a warm, complex taste profile.
Chocolate Drizzle Edition: After frosting, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars and sprinkle with crushed candied ginger for a decadent finish.
Nutty Crunch Version: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking, creating a delightful textural contrast and rich nutty undertone.
Cream Cheese Swirl Style: Marble cream cheese mixture into the gingerbread batter before baking, adding a tangy richness to the classic recipe.

Why are gingerbread spices important in this recipe?

The warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create the classic gingerbread flavor profile. They add depth, warmth, and that signature holiday taste that makes these bars so special and comforting.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors actually develop and become more rich and complex as they sit.

What makes these bars different from traditional gingerbread cookies?

These bars are softer, more cake-like, and easier to make than cut-out cookies. They eliminate the need for rolling and cutting, giving you all the delicious gingerbread flavor with much less work and stress.

Is molasses necessary for authentic gingerbread flavor?

Yes, molasses is crucial. It provides the deep, rich sweetness and dark color that defines traditional gingerbread. Without molasses, you’ll lose the authentic taste and characteristic brown color of the classic holiday treat.

Savor Festive Flavors: Packed with warm, cozy spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these bars capture the essence of holiday cheer in every delightful bite.
Enjoy Effortless Baking: Simple one-bowl mixing method makes this recipe super easy for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced home cooks.
Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Soft, chewy texture and sweet cream frosting transform classic gingerbread into an irresistible treat that appeals to both kids and adults at holiday gatherings.
Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows fun decorating options like sprinkles or crushed cookies, making it perfect for personalizing and adding festive flair to your dessert spread.

Flour Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie bars, provides structure and texture.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.

Spice Ingredients:

Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that give traditional gingerbread flavor and aroma.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and spicy flavors.

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, moist base with deep caramel-like sweetness.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture and structure.
Molasses: Provides deep, dark sweetness and signature gingerbread color.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor to the bars.

Frosting Ingredients:

Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth base for the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the frosting.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps adjust frosting consistency and adds richness.

Decorative Ingredients:

Holiday Sprinkles: Adds festive color and fun decoration.
Crushed Gingerbread Cookies: Optional topping for extra texture and flavor.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it some love with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges so you can easily lift out your delicious creation later.

Step 2: Create the Spice Symphony

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together these magical dry ingredients:

All-purpose flour
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground nutmeg
Baking soda
Salt

Set this spice blend aside for now.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until they become light and fluffy like a cloud. Crack in an egg, pour in molasses, and splash some vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry spice mixture into the creamy wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix! The magic is in the gentle touch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly across your prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Craft the Dreamy Frosting

Grab another bowl and beat butter until it’s super creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until silky smooth. Pour in vanilla extract, a splash of milk or heavy cream, and a tiny pinch of salt. Whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 7: Dress Up Your Bars

Once the bars are completely cool, spread that luscious frosting across the top. For a festive touch, sprinkle some holiday decorations or crush up some extra gingerbread cookies on top.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper to lift the entire batch out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles. Watch as everyone’s eyes light up when they taste these incredible gingerbread bars!

Bonus Tip: These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or anytime you need a little sweet spice in your life!

Customize Spice Intensity: Adjust ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to match your personal taste preference, creating a milder or more robust flavor profile.

Freeze for Later: Wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before adding frosting for convenient make-ahead desserts.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use non-dairy milk in the frosting to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.

Moisture Magic: Add an extra tablespoon of molasses for deeper color and richer flavor, ensuring the bars remain wonderfully soft and chewy after baking.

Texture Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense bars; stir just until ingredients are combined for a tender, delicate crumb.

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled gingerbread bars in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and soft consistency.
Thaw Safely: Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy their original soft, moist texture.
Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for the best taste and softness.

Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread with a creamy chai latte. The blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger in the drink echoes the cookie's rich flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve these gingerbread bars alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, sweet creaminess balances the cookie's intense spices and provides a delightful temperature contrast.
Enjoy with Mulled Red Wine: For an adult twist, sip on a glass of mulled red wine. The wine's warm, aromatic spices and slight sweetness perfectly enhance the gingerbread's deep, molasses-rich profile.
Combine with Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a mug of rich, dark hot chocolate alongside these bars. The chocolate's velvety texture and deep flavor create a luxurious pairing that highlights the cookie's festive warmth.

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.