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Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting

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These gingerbread cookie bars combine classic holiday spices with a soft, chewy texture and are topped with a rich, tangy eggnog cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this easy bar recipe delivers nostalgic comfort with a modern twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup eggnog, cold
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  4. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. If dough is too stiff, add 1-2 tbsp milk.
  6. Spread dough evenly into prepared pan using a spatula or damp fingers.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until edges are set and center is just firm. Do not overbake.
  8. Cool bars in pan for at least 30 minutes (or chill in fridge for 15 minutes).
  9. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in eggnog and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
  10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled bars with an offset spatula. Sprinkle ground nutmeg on top.
  11. Slice into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, chill frosted bars for 30 minutes and wipe knife between slices.
  12. Serve at room temperature or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

For gluten-free bars, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free and vegan adaptations are possible with plant-based substitutes. For best results, use room temperature ingredients and fresh spices. Bars taste even better after sitting overnight. Chill frosted bars before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, cookie bars, eggnog frosting, holiday dessert, Christmas, easy baking, cream cheese frosting, festive bars

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars-recipe-easy-eggnog-cream-cheese-frosting-guide/