Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with the simplicity of a bar cookie. Whether you're a seasoned baker or someone just getting started in the kitchen, these cookie bars are a perfect way to enjoy the holiday flavors with less effort than rolling out individual cookies. Packed with warm spices and a rich molasses flavor, gingerbread cookie bars offer a chewy texture with a soft center, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make these delicious bars, from ingredients to baking tips, so keep reading to get all the details for a foolproof recipe.
What Are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a twist on traditional gingerbread cookies. Instead of rolling out dough and cutting it into shapes, you simply press the dough into a baking pan and cut it into squares after baking. The result is a soft, chewy treat that maintains all the spicy-sweet flavors of gingerbread but with much less effort. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves combined with the deep molasses flavor make gingerbread cookie bars a comforting and nostalgic dessert that can be whipped up quickly.
Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To make gingerbread cookie bars, you'll need a mix of pantry staples and seasonal spices. Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to gather:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds moisture and richness to the bars, giving them a tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a chewy consistency.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and helps with the chewy texture.
- Molasses (½ cup): This is the star ingredient for that unmistakable gingerbread flavor. Choose unsulfured molasses for the best taste.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together and gives the bars structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the spices.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups): Provides the necessary structure to the bars.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
- Ground Ginger (2 teaspoons): The key spice in any gingerbread recipe, providing warmth and a hint of sharpness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a cozy, sweet spiciness.
- Ground Cloves (½ teaspoon): Intensifies the flavor with a bold, aromatic touch.
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Offers an earthy depth that balances the other spices.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of baking is being able to tweak a recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations for gingerbread cookie bars:
- Butter Substitutes: You can substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
- Sugar Alternatives: Swap out granulated sugar with coconut sugar or use a sugar substitute like erythritol to lower the sugar content. Keep in mind that this might alter the texture and flavor of the bars.
- Molasses Substitution: If you’re out of molasses, you can use dark corn syrup or maple syrup. However, the flavor will be less intense.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder spice flavor, reduce the amounts of ginger and cloves. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of ground black pepper or extra ginger.
- Frosting: To make these bars extra indulgent, you can top them with a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making perfect gingerbread cookie bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the molasses is thoroughly mixed in as it tends to stick to the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 5: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
Step 6: Press the Dough into the Pan
Once the dough is fully mixed, press it evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the gingerbread cookie bars in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You want the bars to be set but still soft in the middle.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing them into squares or rectangles. This cooling time will help the bars firm up for easier cutting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: One of the most common mistakes is overbaking the bars. Be sure to check them around the 18-minute mark to prevent them from becoming too dry.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the bars dense and dry. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to ensure accuracy.
- Skipping the Parchment Paper: If you want clean-cut bars, lining your baking pan with parchment paper is key. It makes it easier to lift the entire batch out for slicing.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your gingerbread cookie bars are baked and sliced, it’s time to think about how to serve and present them. While these bars are delicious on their own, a few extra touches can make them even more special.
How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These cookie bars can be served warm or at room temperature. If you want to elevate the experience, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze.
Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the cookie bars on a decorative holiday platter. You can also add seasonal garnishes like cinnamon sticks or star anise around the bars. If you’re bringing these to a party or giving them as gifts, place each bar in a decorative paper wrapper or holiday-themed treat bag.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: If you want slightly thicker bars, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
- Use a Sharp Knife: For clean edges, use a sharp knife to slice the bars after they’ve cooled completely.
- Add Mix-Ins: If you want to get creative, try adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts to the dough before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to make a larger batch. Use a larger baking pan or bake in two 9x13-inch pans to ensure even baking.
How long do gingerbread cookie bars last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, they can last for up to 10 days.
Conclusion
Gingerbread cookie bars are the perfect holiday treat for anyone looking to capture the flavors of gingerbread without the hassle of rolling out dough and cutting shapes. This easy recipe delivers all the warmth, spice, and molasses flavor of traditional gingerbread in a simple bar form. Whether you're making them for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy with your loved ones, these cookie bars are sure to become a favorite. Don't forget to get creative with mix-ins and toppings, and enjoy the process of making these delightful treats!
PrintGingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are packed with classic holiday flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy night in, this easy-to-make recipe brings the delightful warmth of gingerbread into a soft, chewy bar form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can add a cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
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