Jolly Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe: Holiday Magic in Every Bite

Warm spices and sweet memories dance together in these delightful gingerbread cookie bars that capture the essence of holiday cheer.

Winter celebrations sparkle with nostalgia when baking these delectable treats.

Each soft, chewy bar bursts with rich molasses and warming cinnamon notes that instantly transport you to cozy kitchen moments.

Generations of bakers have treasured this classic recipe, passing down its comforting flavors through years of festive gatherings.

The aroma of ginger and nutmeg will fill your home with warmth and anticipation.

These irresistible bars promise to become a cherished tradition at your holiday table, bringing smiles and joy to everyone who takes a bite.

Get ready to create a new family favorite that celebrates the magic of the season.

Tools That Help Bake Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Ease

• Baking Pan (9×13-inch): Essential for creating perfectly sized bars with even thickness.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
• Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): Needed for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to light, fluffy consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Great for spreading batter evenly and scraping bowl sides.
• Toothpick: Used to check baking doneness by testing bar centers.
• Cooling Rack: Optional, helps bars cool quickly and evenly.

How to Make Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab a rectangular baking pan and give it a quick spray of cooking oil. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over like little handles.

• Create Your Dry Mix

Toss flour, warm spices, and baking soda into a bowl. Whisk them together until they’re best friends, creating a fragrant blend that hints at holiday cheer.

• Blend Wet Ingredients

Grab your mixer and whip butter and brown sugar into a fluffy cloud. Drop in the egg, molasses, and vanilla, stirring until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

• Combine and Spread

Pour your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Spread the dough into your prepped pan, making sure it’s smooth and even.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.

• Whip Up Frosting

Beat butter until it’s creamy and dreamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.

• Decorate and Serve

Spread that luscious frosting over the cooled bars. Sprinkle some festive decorations on top if you’re feeling extra jolly. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Twists on Traditional Gingerbread for Cookie Bar Fun

• Gingerbread Magic Tricks: Expert Baking Insights
• Moisture Master: Add an extra tablespoon of molasses for deeper, richer flavor and softer bar texture that melts in your mouth.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust ground spices according to personal preference – increase ginger for more heat or reduce for milder taste without compromising overall gingerbread character.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these delightful bars without missing out.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Unbaked dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for 2 weeks, allowing flexible baking schedules and spontaneous dessert moments.
• Decoration Playground: Experiment with cream cheese frosting, drizzle with melted white chocolate, or sprinkle crushed pecans for unique flavor and visual excitement.

Serve Gingerbread Bars for Holidays or Cozy Nights

• Festive Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange gingerbread bars on a decorative wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks, creating a stunning seasonal presentation that delights guests.
• Cozy Afternoon Treat: Pair these bars with warm spiced chai tea or rich hot chocolate, enhancing the warm gingerbread flavors and creating a comforting winter snacking experience.
• Gifting Delights: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making perfect homemade holiday gifts for neighbors, teachers, or family friends who love sweet seasonal treats.
• Kid-Friendly Decorating Station: Set out additional sprinkles, colored sugars, and small piping bags filled with frosting, allowing children to personalize their own gingerbread bar masterpieces during family gatherings.

Storing Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep gingerbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for quick holiday treats anytime.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Frosted bars stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cookie bar dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. This lets flavors develop and simplifies holiday baking prep.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 12

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Ingredient Lineup

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the gingerbread bars, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, light texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Creates the classic warm, aromatic gingerbread flavor profile, bringing depth and holiday spirit to the bars.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a moist, tender texture in the bars.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps maintain moisture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the bar's structure.
• Molasses: Gives the signature dark color and intense, robust flavor characteristic of gingerbread.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the spice flavors and adds subtle depth.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, creamy frosting with the right consistency.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic touch.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps achieve the perfect spreadable frosting consistency.

• Holiday Sprinkles, Crushed Gingerbread Cookies: Adds festive visual appeal and extra texture to the bars.

Festive Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade gingerbread cookie bars blend nostalgic holiday warmth with rich molasses and warm spices. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these treats perfect for winter gatherings and festive celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups (595 ml/20.2 oz) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 g/6 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (170 g/6 oz) molasses
• 1 cup (227 g/8 oz) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 3 cups (360 g/12.7 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsps ground ginger
• 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
• 23 tbsps milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)
• Holiday sprinkles (optional)
• Crushed gingerbread cookies (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Warm oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for effortless extraction.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Wet Mixture Creation: Cream butter and brown sugar until airy, then blend in egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into a harmonious mixture.
4. Dough Formation: Delicately incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to preserve a delicate crumb.
5. Pan Preparation: Distribute dough evenly across prepared pan, smoothing the surface for consistent baking.
6. Baking Process: Roast for 18-22 minutes until edges stabilize and a toothpick emerges clean, then allow complete cooling within the pan.
7. Frosting Crafting: Whip butter, gradually introducing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and salt until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
8. Finishing Touch: Once cooled, lavishly coat gingerbread surface with prepared frosting, ensuring uniform coverage.
9. Decorative Finale: Embellish with festive sprinkles or crushed gingerbread cookies for visual appeal.
10. Serving: Extract bars using parchment paper, slice into desired portions, and present.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to avoid tough, dense bars that lose their soft, tender texture.
• Moisture Control: Use fresh, high-quality molasses for rich flavor and optimal moisture, preventing dry or crumbly results.
• Temperature Precision: Allow ingredients like butter and egg to reach room temperature before mixing, ensuring smoother integration and consistent texture.
• Frosting Consistency: Add milk gradually to frosting, controlling spreadability and preventing runny or overly thick topping that could compromise the bar’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg