Description
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfectly soft and chewy, topped with rich cream cheese frosting, making them a festive delight for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring.
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar and mix until fluffy, then blend in vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing. These bars can be stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg