Name: Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.25 cups (281 grams) all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) unsulphured or dark molasses; 1 large egg; 1.5 teaspoons baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice; 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.25 teaspoon salt; Small pinch of ground black pepper; 6 ounces (170 grams) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1.5 cups (180 grams) confectioners sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, & allspice; 0.25 cup (43 grams) sprinkles

Sweet memories of holiday gatherings come alive with these delectable gingerbread cookie bars that bring warmth and nostalgia to every bite.

Packed with rich, aromatic spices, this recipe captures the essence of traditional winter treats.

Molasses and cinnamon dance together, creating a deeply comforting flavor profile that instantly transports you to cozy kitchen moments.

Each bar delivers a perfect balance of soft texture and robust gingerbread intensity.

The spice blend melds seamlessly, offering a delightful twist on classic holiday cookies.

Served alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, these bars promise to become your new seasonal favorite.

Prepare to indulge in a festive treat that will delight everyone at your holiday gathering.

Flour Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread cookie bars.

Spice Ingredients:

Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor profile and add depth to the dessert.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and spicy flavors in the recipe.

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, soft texture in the bars.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the soft, chewy consistency.
Molasses: Gives the traditional dark color and deep, rich flavor characteristic of gingerbread.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps create a smooth, cohesive dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, complementary flavor to the spices.

Frosting Ingredients:

Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a spreadable consistency.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice note to the frosting.

Optional Decorative Ingredient:

Sprinkles: Adds a festive touch and visual appeal to the gingerbread cookie bars.

Leavening Ingredient:

Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, tender texture.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Crank up your oven to 350°F.

Line a baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:

Flour
Baking soda
Warm spices
Salt

Whisk everything until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Craft Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:

Melted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Molasses

Whisk until smooth, then incorporate egg and vanilla extract.

The aroma will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir gently until no flour streaks remain.

The dough will look thick and glossy.

Step 5: Bake Delicious Bars

Spread dough evenly in prepared pan.

Bake for 23-26 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should have a few moist crumbs.

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky.

Gradually add:

Powdered sugar
Spices
Vanilla extract

Taste and adjust flavors as desired.

Step 7: Decorate And Serve

Spread frosting over cooled bars.

Sprinkle with decorative toppings if you want.

Chill for 30 minutes to set frosting.

Lift out using parchment paper edges and slice into squares.

Use standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate flour, sugar, and spice quantities to ensure consistent texture and flavor in your gingerbread bars.
Remove bars from the oven when a few moist crumbs still cling to the toothpick, which guarantees a soft, tender result without overcooking.
Adjust ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to personal preference, but maintain the core ratios to preserve the classic gingerbread profile.
Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing to create a silky, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly over the bars.
Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their pristine appearance.

How to Store and Warm Up Gingerbread Bars

Store frosted gingerbread bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain frosting texture.
Wrap uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Keep unfrosted bars in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Ensure they're completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Warm individual bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in oven at 300°F for crisp edges. Allow frosted bars to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Brew a comforting chai tea that echoes the gingerbread's warm spices, creating a harmonious flavor symphony that enhances the cookie bars' rich, molasses-based profile.
Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, letting the cool, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the spiced, warm dessert.
Match with Salted Caramel Latte: Craft a salted caramel latte that brings out the deep molasses notes and provides a luxurious, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet, spiced gingerbread bars.
Elevate with Mulled Wine: Pour a glass of mulled wine with cinnamon and orange zest, creating a festive drink that mirrors the gingerbread's holiday spirit and complex spice profile.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Bars: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same rich spice profile and tender texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Spice Bars: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter alternative, and choose dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting, maintaining the classic gingerbread warmth.
Low-Sugar Holiday Bars: Substitute brown and granulated sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the traditional gingerbread flavor.
Nutty Gingerbread Version: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and depth, creating a more textured and nutty gingerbread experience.

FAQs

What are the key spices in these gingerbread bars?

The key spices are ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. These warm spices create the classic gingerbread flavor that gives the bars their distinctive taste and aroma.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted in the center. The edges should be slightly golden, and the top should look set but not completely dry. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting helps keep them moist and delicious.

Is the molasses essential to the recipe?

Absolutely! Molasses is crucial for achieving the authentic gingerbread flavor and creates the deep, rich color of the bars. Without it, the bars would lose their signature gingerbread taste and character.

Gingerbread Bars' Irresistible Charm
Perfect for baking newbies and seasoned kitchen pros, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
Packed with warm spices and creamy frosting, these bars guarantee smiles from kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or casual weekend treats.
Bursting with classic gingerbread flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses, these bars deliver a nostalgic taste that wraps you in a cozy, heartwarming embrace reminiscent of grandma's kitchen.
Unlike traditional cut-out cookies, these bars eliminate rolling, cutting, and individual baking, offering a quick, hassle-free dessert that looks impressive with minimal effort.

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.

Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.