Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! There’s nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread wafting through the house, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. My Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a staple in my kitchen, and trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser! These bars are soft, chewy, and packed with the perfect blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
I love making them with my kids; we have so much fun decorating them with icing and sharing them with family and friends. It’s always a delight to see their faces light up when they take a bite. These bars aren’t just a treat; they’re a memory in the making!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To whip up these delightful Gingerbread Cookie Bars, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients that bring the holiday spirit right into your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be just a few steps away from creating the most delicious bars that will fill your home with warmth and happiness!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making these scrumptious Gingerbread Cookie Bars! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time.
Prepping Your Oven and Mixing Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven helps your bars rise beautifully! While that’s heating up, grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well combined; this will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor!
Creaming Butter and Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to cream 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of packed brown sugar. You want to mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in 1/2 cup of molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix this all together until it’s smooth and well blended. Trust me, the aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to taste it!
Combining Ingredients and Baking
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as we want those bars to stay soft and chewy! Once the batter is ready, spread it evenly into a greased baking pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for a bit before cutting them into bars. You’ll be amazed at how delicious they smell!
Tips for Success with Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Want to make your Gingerbread Cookie Bars absolutely perfect? Here are a few tips I swear by! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; it helps create that light, fluffy texture we all love. If you’re out of molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be a bit different—still delicious, though! Also, don’t skip the spices; they really make these bars sing with holiday cheer. Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, and you want those bars chewy, not dry. Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting—trust me, it’s worth the wait for clean edges!
Nutritional Information for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These delightful Gingerbread Cookie Bars are not just tasty but also pack a flavorful punch in every bite! Each bar contains approximately 180 calories, 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 28g of carbohydrates. Of course, these values are estimates, so if you’re counting, keep that in mind. Enjoy them as a festive treat without the guilt!
FAQ About Gingerbread Cookie Bars
I love getting questions about my Gingerbread Cookie Bars! Here are some common ones I get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I store these bars? Absolutely! Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay soft and delicious!
What if I don’t have molasses? No worries! You can use honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will be a tad different. Still yummy, I promise!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Yes! Throw in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist. They’ll add a delightful crunch or sweetness!
How do I know when they’re done baking? When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re ready! Just don’t forget to let them cool before cutting!
Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Easy to prepare and perfect for bakers of all levels
- Festive flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that scream holiday cheer
- Soft, chewy texture that’s simply irresistible
- Versatile—great on their own or dressed up with icing or powdered sugar
- Perfect for sharing at parties or cozy family gatherings
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Storing your Gingerbread Cookie Bars is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might dry out a bit—so I recommend enjoying them at room temp! If you ever have leftovers (which is rare!), you can also freeze them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for the best taste. Reheating isn’t necessary, but if you like them warm, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Yum!
Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but why not elevate them a bit? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy dessert! You can also drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk on top for a festive look. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair them with a cup of spiced chai or hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat. Enjoy the magic of the season with every bite!
Print
Gingerbread Cookie Bars: 5 Joyful Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Delicious gingerbread cookie bars perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- For a festive touch, add icing or powdered sugar on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Gingerbread Cookie Bars