Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking gingerbread cookie bars! The sweet and spicy aroma that fills the kitchen is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made these bars; it was during the holiday season, and my friends couldn’t get enough of them! The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg hits all the right notes, creating that cozy, festive vibe we all crave. Plus, these bars are so easy to whip up! With a soft, chewy texture and a hint of molasses, every bite feels like a little piece of nostalgia. Truly, it’s impossible not to smile while enjoying these delicious treats. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them year-round—holidays or not!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful gingerbread cookie bars. Don’t worry; these ingredients are simple to find and can be easily mixed together for a cozy baking experience!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is your base! It gives structure to the bars. Be sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Use packed brown sugar for that rich, caramel-like flavor. It adds moisture and sweetness, which is just perfect for gingerbread!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Let your butter sit at room temperature until it’s nice and soft. This helps it blend smoothly with the sugar.
- 1/4 cup molasses: This is the star of the show! It gives that deep flavor and beautiful color to your bars. Make sure to measure it carefully; it can be a bit sticky!
- 1 large egg: This helps bind everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: A key spice here! It gives the bars their signature warm, spicy flavor. Fresh ginger is great too if you have it!
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: This adds that classic gingerbread aroma we all know and love. Trust me; you can never have too much cinnamon!
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Just a pinch will elevate the flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that makes your bars taste like the holidays!
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: This is your leavening agent, helping the bars rise just a bit.
- 1/4 tsp salt: A little salt enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors, making them pop!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious gingerbread cookie bars that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of baking these gingerbread cookie bars! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results are simply divine. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, spicy goodness in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to ensuring your bars bake evenly!
- Mix the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and packed brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this is where the magic begins!
- Add in the wet ingredients: Next, pour in the molasses and crack in the egg. Mix everything together until it’s well incorporated. You’ll love that rich aroma already!
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.
- Bring it all together: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want these bars to be soft and chewy!
- Spread and bake: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before cutting: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a bit. Then, slice into bars and enjoy the tantalizing scent that fills your kitchen!
And there you have it! Just a few simple steps, and your gingerbread cookie bars are ready to be devoured. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist sneaking a piece while they cool!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the deliciousness: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general breakdown for one gingerbread cookie bar:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
These bars are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also a delightful addition to your dessert table—just keep in mind to enjoy them in moderation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these bars in no time. Perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers!
- Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a flavor explosion that’s cozy and comforting—just like a hug!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s the holidays, a cozy gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these bars fit right in!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist! Toss in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of icing for an extra special touch.
- Great for Sharing: Cut them into bars and share with friends and family. They’re sure to be a hit and will have everyone asking for the recipe!
- Make Ahead: These bars store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week!
Trust me, once you experience the joy of these gingerbread cookie bars, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to make sure your gingerbread cookie bars turn out perfectly every time! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you love ginger, add a little more, or try a pinch of allspice for a unique twist!
When it comes to storage, place your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last that long! You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness, just let them come to room temperature before serving.
And if you want to elevate the presentation, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple icing on top. Trust me, it takes these bars to a whole new level of deliciousness! Enjoy every bite!
Variations of Gingerbread Cookie Bars
The beauty of gingerbread cookie bars is their versatility! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or to use what you have on hand. For a delightful crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans right into the batter—this adds a lovely texture and nutty flavor.
If you’re a chocolate lover, try mixing in chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a sweet contrast to the spices. Feeling adventurous? How about incorporating some dried fruit like cranberries or raisins? They’ll bring a pop of flavor and chewiness!
And for a touch of flair, you can top your bars with a simple cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of caramel sauce after they’ve cooled—trust me, it’s heavenly! Get creative and make these bars your own; the possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread cookie bars are delightful on their own, but if you want to elevate your treat experience, consider pairing them with a warm cup of spiced chai or a classic hot cocoa. The warmth of these beverages complements the cozy spices in the bars beautifully! For a festive touch, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, allowing the rich flavors to mingle in every bite. Trust me, these combinations will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your gingerbread cookie bars fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before diving in!
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent and want to enjoy them warm, simply pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that lovely, soft texture and warm spice aroma! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share—if you can resist!
Print
Gingerbread Cookie Bars: 7 Reasons to Bake Them Today
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious gingerbread cookie bars with warm spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses and egg, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Spread the batter in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with icing or powdered sugar.
- Adjust spices to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: gingerbread cookie bars
