Gingerbread Cookie Bars
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
24 bars
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Calories
258 kcal
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Course
Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Description
Gingerbread Cookie Bars bring together classic gingerbread spices mingled in a soft cookie dough pressed into a baking dish. Important ingredients include molasses, brown sugar, and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and ground cloves that give the bars a distinct warm flavor. After baking until set and lightly golden, the bars cool completely before being topped with a smooth cream cheese and butter frosting sweetened with powdered sugar and enhanced by vanilla extract. This frosting is whipped until light and fluffy, providing a creamy contrast to the tender cookie base.
The bars are sliced into portions, offering a soft yet slightly chewy texture that highlights the molasses depth. Sprinkles can be added for color and festive appeal. These bars are well suited for serving as a dessert or a holiday snack and fit nicely alongside tea or coffee.
For storage, the bars will keep fresh in an airtight container for up to one week. They also freeze well both before and after frosting; just wrap cut pieces tightly in plastic and foil before placing them in a freezer bag for up to one month. Freezing makes these cookie bars convenient for advance preparation and later enjoyment.
Ingredients
For the cookie bars
- ¾ cup butter softened, unsalted
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 egg large
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cloves ground
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the frosting
- ½ cup butter softened, unsalted
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles if desired
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Line 13 x 9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat together until fluffy. Add in the egg and beat until smooth. Add in the molasses and beat until well combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt and mix until combined.
- Press cookie dough into baking dish and bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese for 4 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla and beat an additional 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars. Add sprinkles and enjoy.
- Store in airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze the cookie bars either before frosting or after decorating; wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a zip-top bag for up to one month.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth finish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 258 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1bar | |
| Calories | 258kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 165mg | 7% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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