Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a great recipe for the Christmas time of year. These easy gingerbread cookie bars are perfect for the holiday season. The chewy texture of the bars is incredibly satisfying and the gingerbread cookie itself uses some of those favorite holiday spices to make it that tasty holiday dessert that everyone loves. Plus, the creamy cream cheese frosting on top adds a nice sweetness that balances out all the other flavors perfectly.

Not only are these cookie bars delicious, but they're also incredibly easy to make and require minimal time in the kitchen. These gingerbread cookie bars can be served as a snack or dessert during family gatherings and holiday parties - guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike (especially if you add some holiday sprinkles)! They also make wonderful homemade gifts for your loved ones - share them with friends or family members for an unforgettable treat!

Ingredients:

Light brown sugar and cane sugar sweeten these cookie bars. Butter and Blackstrap Molasses add moisture and richness and help give them that chewy texture. All-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and egg act as both the glue and the leaveners during the baking process while warm spices and flavorings such as freshly grated ginger, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract give the bars their character. They are made with a delicious cream cheese frosting that is comprised of cream cheese, butter, and confectioners' sugar.

The exact measurements are listed on my recipe card below.

Tools needed to make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

This easy recipe is versatile in that you are able to alter the tools based on what you have in your kitchen. You will need the following:

Large mixing bowl- to hold all of the ingredients; especially if using an electric mixer

Handheld mixer or stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment

Microplane or grater with very small holes

2 small bowls to separate the dry ingredients from the rest

8x8 baking dish

Sifter-to sift powdered sugar

Wet and dry measuring cup

Measuring spoons

Small spatula for frosting the bars

*Optional- cookie cutters

How to make Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread cookie bars are the perfect holiday treat for those who want to enjoy the season's flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. With a chewy texture and just the right amount of gingerbread spice, these cookie bars are sure to make everyone smile. Plus, with a fluffy cream cheese frosting on top, these are sure to please!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F and grease an 8 x 8 square baking pan with butter, then flour.
2. Using a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment beat the butter and both sugars together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Add in the flour, salt, baking soda, grated ginger, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl and mix until everything is just combined.
4. Using a rubber spatula or spoon, spread the gingerbread batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the pan. Let cool completely before frosting.

To make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together 4 ounces of cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of butter until light and creamy. Slowly add 1 cup of powdered sugar while mixing with an electric mixer on low speed until combined.

Spread cream cheese frosting over cooled cookie bars then cut them into squares or triangles as desired! I think one of the best parts is the end when you get to add on those festive sprinkles just before enjoying!

How to store Gingerbread Cookie Bars

If you have any gingerbread cookie bars left over after your holiday party, don’t worry - they can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container so that they don’t dry out.

Alternatively, you can also freeze the gingerbread cookie bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. When you are ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or heat them up in the microwave for a few seconds. If using this method I recommend freezing the bars only and then making the frosting when you are ready to eat them. Once the bars have reached room temperature, they will be ready to frost.

Substitutions

If you're looking for a delicious and festive gingerbread cookie bar recipe, look no further! These chewy gingerbread bars are sure to please, with their warm and cozy flavor and chewy texture. Plus, the cream cheese frosting on top takes them over the top. But don't worry if you're not able to find all of the ingredients called for in the recipe - There are a few substitutions that can make life easier should you find yourself in a pinch! The easiest of which is to start with ginger. If you don't have fresh ginger, substitute it by adding an extra ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. Alternatively, you can also use frozen ginger cubes that you should be able to find at your local grocery store.

Variations

This is one of those gingerbread treats that are adaptable because you can do so much with them. Turn them into one of your favorite holiday cookies! You could turn these into gingerbread cookies with ease just by using cookie trays and some cookie cutters- when the dough is finished baking and has cooled for about 15-20 minutes, turn them into chewy cookies. Use the cutters to make the shape. Doing this would be much easier if you line the pan with parchment paper beforehand. Make little gingerbread men with tiny cookie cutters! I know you'll enjoy these chewy and super festive Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting!

If you make this recipe please rate and review it on the recipe card below. I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @belovedplate https://www.instagram.com/belovedplate/

OTHER HOLIDAY TREATS!

Fruit & Maple Thumbprint Cookies

Pomegranate and White Chocolate Chip Cookies

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