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Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

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4.5 from 75 reviews

Gingerbread Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread. Infused with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, and topped with a creamy eggnog cream cheese frosting, these decadent treats are perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy winter days.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

  • 4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 3 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar, divided
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, softened and cut into 8 pieces
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1–2 tablespoons eggnog
  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F to prepare for baking the brownies.
  2. Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with a large piece of foil, leaving an overhang along the length so you can lift out the brownies easily after baking. Grease the foil with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray and dust with flour. Set aside.
  3. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Add the chopped semisweet chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes, then whisk together until smooth and fully melted.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients (Bowl One): In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, salt, and ground cloves. Set this mixture aside.
  5. Mix Wet Ingredients (Bowl Two): In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, light brown sugar, molasses, chopped crystallized ginger, and vanilla extract until combined. Then whisk in the melted chocolate and butter mixture until incorporated.
  6. Combine Mixtures: Stir the dry flour and spice mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
  7. Fill Pan and Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake at 325 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the foil overhang.
  9. Prepare Frosting: When brownies are completely cooled, beat softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar with a handheld mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to medium-high and gradually beat in the cream cheese pieces, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
  10. Add Flavor to Frosting: Mix in vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and eggnog until combined. Then beat in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar. If the frosting is too thick, add additional eggnog one teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  11. Frost Brownies: Evenly spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for garnish.
  12. Storage: Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate to keep fresh longer.

Notes

  • For the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour mixture.
  • Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Chopped crystallized ginger adds a delightful spicy-sweet bite; adjust amount to taste.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer frosting.
  • Brownies are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when stored properly.
  • If preferred, substitute eggnog with milk or cream in the frosting.

Keywords: gingerbread brownies, holiday brownies, spiced brownies, eggnog frosting, chocolate gingerbread dessert

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/gingerbread-brownies-recipe/