Prep Time: ~20 minutes
Bake Time: ~25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~45–50 minutes
Yield: ~12–16 bars
Introduction
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are soft, warmly spiced dessert bars bursting with classic holiday flavors like molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. With a tender texture and rich, cozy aroma, these bars capture everything you love about traditional gingerbread — without the effort of rolling, cutting, or decorating dozens of cookies. They’re perfect for Christmas gatherings, dessert platters, or enjoying with a warm drink by the tree.
Why These Bars Are So Loved
These bars offer soft, chewy comfort in every bite while delivering bold holiday spice. They bake evenly, slice cleanly, and stay moist for days — making them ideal for parties or gifting. The optional glaze or frosting adds sweetness that pairs beautifully with the deep molasses flavor. Simple to make yet full of festive charm, they’re a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Gingerbread Bars
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon
The Art of Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Gingerbread bars rely on molasses for depth, chewiness, and moisture. The warm spice blend gives them their signature holiday flavor. Unlike traditional cookies that can dry out, these bars stay soft and tender from edge to center. A light glaze adds sweetness and shine, though they’re equally delicious plain.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment or grease lightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until a thick, sticky dough forms.
6. Spread & Bake
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool & Glaze (Optional)
Let bars cool completely in the pan.
If glazing, whisk powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle over cooled bars and allow it to set.
8. Slice & Serve
Cut into squares or rectangles.
Serve plain, glazed, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm holiday treat.
Tips for Best Results
- Use real molasses for authentic gingerbread flavor — not blackstrap, which is too bitter.
- Don’t overbake; bars stay softer if slightly underdone in the center.
- Spread dough evenly so bars bake uniformly.
- Add a bit of orange zest for a citrus-bright holiday twist.
- Let bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
Creative Variations
- Cream Cheese Frosted: spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top after cooling.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: pipe melted white chocolate over the bars.
- Cranberry Gingerbread Bars: fold dried cranberries into the batter.
- Nutty Gingerbread: add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Spiced Sugar Topping: sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Storage & Freshness
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Refrigerate for a slightly firmer texture or freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are warm, spiced, soft, and perfect for the holiday season. With their rich molasses flavor, festive aroma, and tender texture, they’re a guaranteed hit at parties or family gatherings. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are a must-bake treat for gingerbread lovers.
