Oh, the smell of gingerbread cookie bars baking in the oven is like a warm hug on a chilly holiday morning! These bars are packed with the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses that instantly transport me to a festive wonderland. I remember the first time I made them for my family; the joy on their faces as they took their first bite was priceless. They’re just so easy to whip up, and the best part? You can have a delicious, sweet treat ready to share in about 40 minutes! Trust me, once you get a taste of these soft, spiced bars, you’ll want to make them a holiday tradition every year.
Ingredients List
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Prepping Your Ingredients
First things first, let’s get everything ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty when your batter is ready. Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with a little butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure your delicious bars come out easily without any fuss. Now, gather all those lovely ingredients we just listed—having everything in one place makes the process so much smoother!
Mixing the Ingredients
Alright, time to get mixing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until everything is evenly combined. This will help distribute those fabulous spices! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Then, mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla until it’s all blended beautifully. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You want to keep that lovely texture, so don’t overmix!
Baking the Bars
Spread that luscious batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen—trust me, it’s heavenly! To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them set up nicely. When they’re cool enough to handle, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. I like to cut them into neat little pieces, but you can make them as big or small as you like! Serve them plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for that festive touch. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of these delightful gingerbread cookie bars! Keep in mind, nutrition values can vary based on the brands and specific ingredients you use, so these are just typical estimates. Each bar contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
So, as you indulge in these warm, spiced bars, you can enjoy them knowing a little about what’s in them! Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Filled with warm, festive flavors that scream holiday cheer!
- Soft and chewy texture that everyone will love.
- Versatile—serve them plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Great for sharing at holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.
- Easy to cut into squares, making them a no-fuss treat for any occasion.
- They fill your home with the most delightful gingerbread aroma!
- Perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later indulgence.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these delicious gingerbread cookie bars, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps create that lovely, smooth batter that’s key for the best texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! If you love a spicier cookie, add a bit more ginger or cinnamon. You can even try a dash of nutmeg for an extra kick!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars towards the end of baking. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—this means they’re perfectly baked!
- Let Them Cool: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the bars cool completely will help them set up nicely and make cutting easier.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for about a week—if they last that long!
- Experiment with Toppings: Consider drizzling your bars with a simple icing or sprinkling them with powdered sugar for a festive finish. You could also top them with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for a flavor contrast!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up the most scrumptious gingerbread cookie bars that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your gingerbread cookie bars! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up and make these bars your own:
- Nuts: Add a delightful crunch by folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They not only add texture but also a lovely nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Chocolate Chips: For those who can’t resist chocolate, mix in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. The melty chocolate will create a rich contrast with the spiced gingerbread—so irresistible!
- Frosting: Top your cooled bars with a simple cream cheese frosting or a classic vanilla glaze. Just whisk together some powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a hint of vanilla for a sweet finish!
- Fruit Zest: Brighten up the flavors by adding a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter. It’ll give your bars a lovely citrusy zing that complements the warm spices.
- Additional Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom or nutmeg to create your own unique blend. Just a pinch can elevate the flavor profile even more!
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a gooey, sweet surprise in every bite. You could even sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that sweet-and-salty combo!
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it has a good binding agent!
With these variations, you can tailor your gingerbread cookie bars to fit any taste preference or occasion. So get creative and make them your own—every batch can be a new adventure! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked these delightful gingerbread cookie bars and enjoyed some (or maybe all!), you’ll want to know how to keep them fresh for later. Here’s how to store them properly so they stay just as delicious as the day you made them!
First, let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cool, you can transfer them to an airtight container. I usually cut them into squares first—it makes it easier to grab one (or two!) later. If you want to be extra careful, you can layer them with parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just try not to eat them all at once!
If you find you have leftovers after that (though I can’t imagine!), you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the bars you want, unwrap them, and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. No need to bake again—just let those lovely flavors come back to life!
And if you prefer a warm treat, you can pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; we want them warm, not hot! The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be ready to indulge all over again. Enjoy your gingerbread cookie bars anytime, and happy snacking!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I get about these delicious gingerbread cookie bars, and I’m here to share the answers! Let’s dive in so you can bake with confidence!
Can I substitute the molasses?
Absolutely! If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup for a different, but still delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the taste and texture, but I promise it’ll still be delightful!
What if I don’t have ground cloves?
No worries! You can simply leave them out or substitute with a pinch of allspice or nutmeg if you have those. The bars will still be wonderfully spiced without it!
How do I make these bars more cake-like?
If you prefer a more cake-like texture, try adding an extra egg to the batter. This will give you a fluffier result that’s still packed with flavor!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour will give a denser texture, so you might want to add a tablespoon or two of extra liquid to the batter if it seems too thick.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Great question! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help with the texture!
Can I add frosting or icing to these bars?
Definitely! A simple icing made with powdered sugar and milk drizzled on top adds a lovely sweetness. You can also try cream cheese frosting for a richer treat. Just wait until the bars have cooled completely before adding any toppings!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, give them a few more minutes and check again!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making a day or two ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be just as tasty when you’re ready to enjoy them!
With these answers, I hope you feel ready to whip up your own batch of gingerbread cookie bars and impress everyone around you. Happy baking!
Print
Gingerbread Cookie Bars: 7 Heavenly Tips for Sweet Success
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gingerbread cookie bars are a festive treat, perfect for the holiday season. They combine the flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses in a convenient bar format.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 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).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These can be topped with icing or powdered sugar.
- For a spicier flavor, increase the ginger and cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Gingerbread Cookie Bars, Holiday Dessert, Festive Treat