Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread cookie bars are a festive treat that brings warmth and comfort, especially during the holiday season. They have a rich, spiced flavor profile that is both delicious and satisfying. The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen, evoking memories of holiday gatherings and cozy afternoons spent with family. Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies, these bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing, as they’re baked in a single pan and sliced into squares. With a smooth cream cheese frosting on top, they are sure to please both children and adults alike. Let’s explore how to make these delicious gingerbread cookie bars, their ingredients, storage tips, and more!

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

To create your homemade gingerbread cookie bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The beauty of these bars lies in their versatility, allowing you to play around with flavors and textures.

List of ingredients with measurements

• 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Small pinch of ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsulphured or dark molasses
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• Small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional for garnish:

• 1/4 cup sprinkles

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you find yourself missing some ingredients or would like to make substitutions, here are some options:

• Unsalted butter can be replaced with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• Molasses has a unique flavor, but you can use maple syrup or honey if you prefer a different sweetness.
• All-purpose flour can often be substituted with gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option.
• Cream cheese frosting can be swapped for a simple powdered sugar glaze or a dairy-free frosting if you want to cater to specific dietary needs.

How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Making gingerbread cookie bars is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the baking pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Adjust the oven rack to the center position to ensure even baking. Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides to make it easy to lift the bars out later. Set this aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Make sure to combine these dry ingredients well so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Once mixed, set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

In another medium-sized bowl, whisk the melted butter together with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free from lumps. Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing them in until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, combine the two mixtures until no dry flour remains. The dough will be thick and shiny. Once mixed, transfer the thick dough into the prepared baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom to create a smooth surface.

Step 5: Bake the bars

Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 23–26 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars; they should not look dry. The top should be set but still soft, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as that will result in dry bars.

Step 6: Cool the bars

After baking, allow the gingerbread cookie bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least one hour. This cooling time is important to help firm them up.

Step 7: Prepare the frosting

While the bars are cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar along with the small pinches of ginger, cinnamon, and allspice, and the vanilla extract. Begin mixing on low speed for about 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. Taste your frosting and add a pinch of salt if desired to enhance the flavors.

Step 8: Frost and serve

Once the gingerbread bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If you want a festive touch, sprinkle the top with colorful sprinkles. For the best results, refrigerate the frosted bars for about 30 minutes before slicing them into squares. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan easily for cutting.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Once your gingerbread cookie bars are ready, it’s time to think about how to serve them. This recipe yields a lot of bars, making it perfect for gatherings.

Best ways to serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These bars can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them plain, or with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. If you are serving them at a holiday party, place them on a festive platter with other sweets for a delightful dessert table. Think about cutting them into smaller pieces if you have several desserts, allowing guests to try a little bit of everything.

Serving suggestions or pairings

Consider pairing the bars with whipped cream for a delicious treat. You might also serve them alongside ice cream, which contrasts nicely with the spiced flavors. Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over them for added sweetness if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

How to Store Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Storing your gingerbread cookie bars properly is key to keeping them fresh.

Proper storage methods

If you have leftover bars, make sure to cover them tightly. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you skipped the frosting, you can keep plain gingerbread cookie bars at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for just a few seconds. If you’d like to freeze them, slice the bars and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying again.

Tips to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

No recipe is perfect, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some tips to avoid common pitfalls and get the best results.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is overbaking the bars, which can lead to dryness. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Using room temperature ingredients is also important, as it helps create a smoother batter.

Helpful tips for better results

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. For flour, it’s best to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly with the cup. This ensures you don’t end up with too much flour, which can affect the texture of your bars. Lastly, make sure your baking powder is fresh, as old baking powder can lead to flat bars.

Variations of Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread cookie bars are versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your preferences.

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

If you want to add extra flavor or texture, consider folding in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins can also give a delightful chewy texture.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based butter and cream cheese. Make sure to check the labels for any other ingredients needing substitutions for a vegan diet.

FAQs

You may have some questions about making gingerbread cookie bars. Here are some answers to help you troubleshoot and get more information.

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your bars seem too dry, check your baking time, and ensure you are measuring your ingredients accurately. If they don’t rise, your baking powder might be old. If they are too gooey, they may need a bit more cooking time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Gingerbread cookie bars are fantastic when made ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance. Just wait to frost them until you’re ready to serve for the best results.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

You can easily substitute molasses with other sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, butter with coconut oil for dairy-free options, and if you’re out of cream cheese, a dairy-free cream cheese alternative works well too.

In conclusion, gingerbread cookie bars are a fun, festive dessert that you can whip up for any occasion. With their cozy spices and cream cheese frosting, they truly are a delicious treat. Happy baking!

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