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–+ servings

Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Delightfully soft and spiced, these gingerbread cookie bars evoke warmth and nostalgia, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Gingerbread Bars

  • 3/4 cup melted butter For a rich base.
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar Lightly packed.
  • 1/4 cup sugar Granulated.
  • 1 large egg, room temperature To bind the ingredients.
  • 1/2 cup molasses Adds warmth and flavor.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour For the structure.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda To help the bars rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon ginger Ground, for flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon Ground, for warmth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Ground, for spice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves Adds a spicy note.

For the Buttercream Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature For creaminess.
  • 1/4 cup milk To adjust consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted To form the frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 oz. cream cheese, softened For tanginess.
  • 1/4 cup melted butter For creaminess.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar To sweeten.
  • 2 tablespoons milk To adjust consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar until smooth and there are no lumps.
  • Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Baking

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Buttercream Frosting

  • Beat the butter, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and fluffy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
  • Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beak the cream cheese and melted butter together until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
  • Spread over the cooled bars.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with spices, and involve your kids in the baking process!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g
Keyword Baking, Comfort Food, Cookie Bars, Family Recipe, Gingerbread
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