Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Holiday Favorite Made Easy
If you love gingerbread cookies but dread the rolling and cutting, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect solution! Packed with warm spices, molasses, and topped with a creamy frosting, they bring all the cozy flavors of gingerbread in a simple bar format. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or a cozy evening treat!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 🌾 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 🍂 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 🌿 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 🍂 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 🧈 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍚 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🍯 1/2 cup molasses
- 🥚 1 large egg
For the Frosting:
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍶 4 cups powdered sugar
- 🥄 2 tablespoons milk
- 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional):
- 🌟 Holiday sprinkles
- 🌿 A dash of cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Bake the Bars:
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars in an even layer. Add sprinkles or a dash of cinnamon for a festive touch.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice into bars and serve. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Soft Bars: Don’t overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Customize the Frosting: Add a touch of orange zest or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive twist.
- Make It Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
