Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

As the holiday season approaches, there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than with the warming, spicy goodness of gingerbread cookie bars. If you’re a fan of traditional gingerbread cookies but want a faster, easier way to enjoy the flavor in a crowd-pleasing format, this gingerbread cookie bars recipe is perfect for you! These cookie bars deliver all the rich, spiced notes of classic gingerbread in soft, chewy squares. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make! Read on to learn how to make gingerbread cookie bars from scratch, how to substitute ingredients, and how to serve them for the ultimate holiday treat.

What Are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Gingerbread cookie bars are a creative twist on traditional gingerbread cookies. Instead of rolling and cutting dough into individual shapes, gingerbread cookie bars are baked in a single pan and then sliced into squares or bars after baking. This method not only saves time but also results in a deliciously chewy texture, while maintaining all the signature flavors of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that make gingerbread so beloved. The result is a dessert that’s perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.

Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to create these delectable gingerbread cookie bars. Each ingredient is essential for developing that warm, spicy, and sweet gingerbread flavor:

1. All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups. Flour provides the structure and bulk for the cookie bars.
2. Baking soda: 1 teaspoon. This helps the cookie bars rise and become fluffy.
3. Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons. Ginger is the star spice that defines gingerbread.
4. Ground cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons. Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet spice.
5. Ground cloves: ½ teaspoon. Cloves give gingerbread that deep, slightly bitter heat.
6. Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon. Nutmeg offers a rich, earthy flavor to balance the spices.
7. Salt: ¼ teaspoon. Salt enhances all the other flavors.
8. Unsalted butter: ¾ cup, softened. Butter provides richness and moisture.
9. Brown sugar: ¾ cup, packed. Brown sugar gives a deep caramelized sweetness.
10. Molasses: ½ cup. This ingredient is key to giving gingerbread its dark, robust flavor.
11. Egg: 1 large. The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
12. Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon. Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.

Optional Ingredients for Frosting (optional but recommended):

1. Powdered sugar: 2 cups.
2. Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened.
3. Unsalted butter: ¼ cup, softened.
4. Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
5. Milk: 1-2 tablespoons (to achieve desired consistency).

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about baking is that it allows for creativity and flexibility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try when making gingerbread cookie bars:

1. Molasses Substitutes: If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup, or dark corn syrup. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be milder and less robust without molasses.
2. Butter Substitutes: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can replace the butter with vegan butter or margarine. Coconut oil can also work, but it will add a slight coconut flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Option: You can swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour replacement for best results.
4. Sugar Alternatives: For a lower sugar version, you can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might be slightly different.
5. Extra Add-ins: Feel free to add some extras to the batter, like chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. You can also top the bars with festive sprinkles for an extra holiday touch.
6. Spice Level: If you love a spicier gingerbread, increase the amount of ginger or cinnamon slightly. Alternatively, reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking! Follow these simple steps to create perfectly spiced gingerbread cookie bars:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Transfer to Pan: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to stay soft and chewy.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
9. Frosting (optional): If you’re using frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Once the bars are cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top.
10. Slice and Serve: Cut the gingerbread cookie bars into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

How to Cook Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

To break down the process further, here's a quick summary of how to cook gingerbread cookie bars:

1. Prepare your baking pan by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
2. Whisk dry ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of spices.
3. Cream the butter and sugar for a light, airy texture.
4. Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla for flavor and moisture.
5. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients to form the dough.
6. Spread the dough evenly in the pan to ensure uniform thickness.
7. Bake until just done to maintain a chewy texture.
8. Cool completely before frosting (if desired) to prevent melting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking: Overbaking can make the bars dry and crumbly instead of chewy. Keep a close eye on them and check for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
2. Skipping the Cooling Step: Frosting the bars before they’re fully cooled will cause the frosting to melt and slide off, creating a mess.
3. Not Measuring Spices Properly: Too little spice will make the bars taste bland, while too much can overpower the other flavors.
4. Overmixing the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookie bars.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Gingerbread cookie bars can be served in a variety of ways to impress your guests:

• Plain: Serve the bars as is for a simple, classic treat.
• Frosted: Top with cream cheese frosting for a richer, more indulgent dessert.
• Festive Garnish: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or colorful holiday sprinkles for extra flair.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Serve your gingerbread cookie bars at room temperature with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk. These bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

1. Holiday-Themed Platter: Serve the bars on a festive platter adorned with holiday decorations like mini candy canes or pine sprigs.
2. Gift Boxes: Place the bars in holiday-themed gift boxes lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift.
3. Dessert Board: Create a holiday dessert board with gingerbread cookie bars, hot cocoa, and an assortment of holiday cookies.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Double the Recipe: If you’re baking for a large crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted gingerbread cookie bars for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars? Yes! Simply wrap the unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
2. How long do gingerbread cookie bars last? These bars will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
3. Can I make these gingerbread bars gluten-free? Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
4. Is there a way to make them vegan? Yes, you can use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) to make the recipe vegan.

Conclusion

Gingerbread cookie bars are the perfect holiday treat, combining the classic flavors of gingerbread with the ease of bar cookies. Whether you make them for a festive gathering, as a gift, or to enjoy with your family, these chewy, spiced bars are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to experiment with frosting, toppings, and presentation ideas to make them your own. Happy baking!

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