Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These Chewy Gingerbread Bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Featuring a soft, spiced gingerbread base topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting, these bars combine warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with the rich sweetness of molasses. Easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your holiday cravings, they’re great for parties or cozy nights in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan using non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside while you prepare the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until well combined. This creates the spice base for the bars.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: Using a stand mixer or handheld beaters, beat the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and molasses on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Combine: Add the large egg to the wet mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Then gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, mixing on low speed to combine the flour without overmixing. Increase the speed to medium and mix for an additional minute to ensure a smooth dough.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the gingerbread dough into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the bars have darkened in color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat on low, then increase to medium-high speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy, around 1 to 2 minutes.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the gingerbread bars have completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Optionally, sprinkle holiday sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the frosted bars into 24 equal pieces. Serve immediately or store appropriately until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Store the gingerbread bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and frosting texture.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can soften the cream cheese and butter by leaving them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- For a more intense ginger flavor, increase the ground ginger slightly, but balance with other spices accordingly.
- Holiday sprinkles are optional but add a festive and colorful touch.
Keywords: gingerbread bars, chewy gingerbread, holiday cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, festive dessert, soft gingerbread, holiday baking
