The warm, spiced aroma of these Gingerbread Cookie Bars is a nostalgic reminder of cozy holiday gatherings. Soft and chewy with just the right amount of molasses sweetness, these bars are a perfect treat to share with family and friends.
Easy to make and beautifully spiced, these bars capture the essence of the holiday season. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, making them an ideal addition to any festive spread. Whether you’re gifting them or serving them at your holiday party, these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (85g) unsulfured molasses
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) white chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 bars
A Seasonal Favorite for All Occasions
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies, offering the same warm, spiced flavor with the convenience of a bar format. They combine the festive notes of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with the deep, rich sweetness of molasses, making them a perfect dessert for the holiday season. The addition of white chocolate chips adds a creamy, sweet contrast to the spiced cookie base, elevating the flavor profile.
These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a dessert at your holiday parties, include them in cookie exchanges, or wrap them up as edible gifts for friends and family. Their chewy texture and festive flavor make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly, perfect for holiday baking with kids or on busy days.
- Time-Saving: Unlike traditional rolled and cut-out gingerbread cookies, these bars require no chilling or shaping, saving you precious time.
- Customizable: You can swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to create your unique twist.
- Great for Sharing: With 24 servings, this recipe is ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or gifting.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking can cause them to dry out. They should be just set in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Cutting Tip: For clean, even slices, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. You can even chill them slightly for sharper edges.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, press it into the prepared pan and bake as directed.
Pairing Suggestions
These bars are perfect alongside a warm cup of holiday cheer! Serve them with:
- Spiced lattes, like chai or gingerbread latte
- Classic hot cocoa with marshmallows
- A festive mulled wine or spiced cider
The Inspiration Behind Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Traditional gingerbread cookies are a hallmark of the holiday season, with their deep molasses flavor and a blend of warm spices. However, rolling and cutting out cookies can be time-consuming during the busy festive season. Gingerbread Cookie Bars simplify this process while preserving the comforting flavors we all love. They’re an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys the nostalgia of gingerbread without the extra work.
The recipe’s roots lie in classic gingerbread, but the transformation into a bar format offers a modern, convenient twist. These bars are reminiscent of cozy evenings, twinkling holiday lights, and the joyful aroma of baking spices filling the kitchen.
The Secret to Perfectly Chewy Gingerbread Bars
The key to achieving the signature chewy texture is the balance of molasses and brown sugar. Molasses keeps the bars moist, while brown sugar adds a touch of softness and enhances the depth of flavor. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the bars to become denser and less tender.
When baking, the bars should appear slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect chewiness.
Variations and Customization
This recipe is highly adaptable, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Here are some ideas to customize the bars:
- Chocolate Swap: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Spiced Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a complementary nutty taste.
- Festive Mix-Ins: Add dried cranberries, candied ginger, or a drizzle of caramel for extra holiday flair.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to cater to dietary restrictions.
Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
- Holiday Platters: Pair these bars with classic sugar cookies, peppermint bark, and fudge for an indulgent dessert platter.
- Gifting: Package bars in festive boxes or bags with a handwritten tag for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
- Coffee Companion: Serve a slice with a frothy cappuccino or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
A Kid-Friendly Holiday Activity
Baking these bars is an excellent activity for families. Kids can help measure ingredients, mix the batter, or sprinkle on any toppings like festive sprinkles. The straightforward steps and quick baking time make this recipe a hit for little helpers.
Fun Fact About Gingerbread
Did you know gingerbread dates back to the 15th century in Europe? Over the years, it evolved from being a treat reserved for royalty to a beloved holiday tradition. The blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves not only adds flavor but also served as a natural preservative in historical recipes.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of tradition and convenience, offering all the warm, spiced flavors of classic gingerbread in an easy-to-make bar format. Their chewy texture, festive aroma, and versatility make them an essential addition to your holiday baking list. Whether you’re hosting a party, sharing a treat with loved ones, or looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy with your family, these bars are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, this recipe is a stress-free way to indulge in the holiday spirit. Bake a batch today and experience the timeless charm of gingerbread in a whole new way!