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Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Creamy Frosting

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These gingerbread cookie bars are a festive, easy holiday treat featuring warm spices, rich molasses, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, they deliver classic gingerbread flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional)
  • Finely chopped crystallized ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in two batches, mixing on low until just combined. Scrape down sides as needed.
  6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan using a spatula. Smooth into corners.
  7. Bake for 20-24 minutes, until edges are set and center springs back lightly when touched. Do not overbake.
  8. Cool bars completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes. For faster cooling, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  9. For frosting: In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and pinch of salt. Beat until light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  10. Lift cooled bars out of pan using parchment. Spread frosting evenly over bars. Decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy canes if desired.
  11. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container.

Notes

For gluten-free bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese. Do not use blackstrap molasses, as it can be bitter. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. Chill bars before slicing for neat cuts. Add-ins like nuts or dried cranberries can be stirred into the batter for variation.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars-recipe-easy-holiday-treats-with-creamy-frosting/