Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of warm spices and soft, chewy texture, making them a holiday favorite. With a rich molasses flavor and a touch of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, these bars capture the essence of traditional gingerbread in an easy-to-make treat. Top them with a luscious cream cheese frosting, or simply dust them with powdered sugar for a delightful finish. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea.

Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 lb (3 3/4 cups) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional:

• Dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting

Tips:

• Spice Adjustment: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of ginger or cloves. You can also add a bit of allspice for a unique twist.
• Baking: Keep a close eye on the bars while baking, as overbaking can lead to a dry texture. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced bars. If you’re short on time, a simple dusting of powdered sugar also works beautifully.
• Serving: These bars are even better after resting for a day, as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and molasses until creamy.
3. Add Egg & Combine: Stir in the egg until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Spread & Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye out to avoid overbaking. The bars should be slightly soft in the center when done.
6. Cool & Frost: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting or dust with powdered sugar.
7. Frosting Instructions: To make the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing on low at first, then beating on high until the frosting is fluffy.
8. Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!

These bars are sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.