Description
These Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic gingerbread cookies, offering a soft, chewy texture in an easy-to-make bar form. Infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these bars deliver the cozy flavors of the holiday season in every bite. Whether you choose to top them with a simple buttercream or a tangy cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or a simple afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
- ▢ ¾ cup melted butter (1 ½ sticks)
- ▢ ¾ cup brown sugar
- ▢ ¼ cup sugar
- ▢ 1 egg, room temperature
- ▢ ½ cup molasses
- ▢ 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1 Tbsp ginger
- ▢ 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- ▢ ½ tsp nutmeg
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Buttercream Frosting Option
- ▢ ½ cup butter, room temperature
- ▢ ¼ cup milk
- ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ▢ 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Cream Cheese Frosting Option
- ▢ 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ▢ ¼ cup melted butter
- ▢ 2 cups powdered sugar
- ▢ 2 Tbsp milk
- ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparation:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Add the egg and molasses to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing one cup at a time until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars.
- Step 6: Transfer the dough to a greased 9″x13″ baking dish.
- Step 7: Sprinkle a small amount of flour on the dough to prevent your hands from sticking. Gently press the dough evenly into the pan.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still be soft.
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Step 10: While the cookie bars are cooling, prepare your frosting of choice.
Buttercream Frosting Instructions:
- Beat the room temperature butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Frosting and Serving:
- Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread your chosen frosting evenly over the top. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired.
- Cut the bars into squares and serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These bars offer a delightful soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Warm and Cozy Spices: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm and inviting flavor profile perfect for the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Customizable Frosting: Choose between a classic buttercream or a tangy cream cheese frosting to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are great for parties, potlucks, or gifting to friends and family.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a warm glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Offer as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside other festive treats.
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures that the ingredients mix together evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Salted vs. Unsalted Butter: If using salted butter, omit the additional ½ teaspoon of salt in the recipe. If using unsalted butter, add the extra salt to enhance the flavors.
- Sifting Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smooth and lump-free frosting.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including cooling)
Nutrition Information: (approximate, per serving, without frosting)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the warm and comforting flavors of gingerbread. With their soft texture, delightful spices, and customizable frosting options, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a cozy dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy. Enjoy!
Question and Answer Section:
Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The baked bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q2: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with other types of flour. For a slightly denser bar, you can use whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.
Q3: What if I don’t have molasses?
A: Molasses is a key ingredient in gingerbread bars, providing its characteristic flavor and color. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or brown sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Q4: Can I add any other spices?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other spices to your liking. A pinch of cardamom or allspice would complement the gingerbread flavors nicely.
Q5: How do I prevent the bars from becoming too dry?
A: To prevent the bars from becoming too dry, be sure not to overbake them. Bake until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft. Also, ensure that you measure the flour accurately and don’t overmix the dough.
