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Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

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Gingerbread Cookie Bars combine the rich, spiced flavors of traditional gingerbread in an easy bar form, topped with optional cream cheese frosting. Made with pantry staples like molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these bars are a simple yet delicious holiday dessert. Keywords: Gingerbread cookie bars recipe, holiday gingerbread dessert, easy gingerbread bars with cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cookie Bars:
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
    • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/3 cup molasses (unsulphured)
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
    • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Make the Cookie Bars:
    • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
    • In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
    • Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
    • Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    • Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
  • Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
    • In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
    • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until creamy and smooth.
    • Once the bars are cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  • Slice and Serve:
    • Slice the gingerbread bars into squares and serve.

Notes

  • These gingerbread cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • You can skip the cream cheese frosting for a lighter version or dust the bars with powdered sugar instead.
  • For extra holiday flair, sprinkle festive decorations or crushed gingerbread cookies over the frosting.

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