Description

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars combine classic warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and allspice in a chewy, buttery base topped with a creamy spiced cream cheese frosting. Perfectly baked to a soft, tender texture, these bars provide the nostalgia of traditional gingerbread cookies in an easy-to-slice format, ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Bars

2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
small pinch of ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar (dark recommended)
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (113g/80ml) unsulphured molasses (preferably Grandma’s brand)
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, & allspice
optional for garnish: sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Position the oven rack in the center. Line a 9×13-inch metal or glass baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. Set it aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses until smooth with no lumps. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly.
Make the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir with a large spoon or silicone spatula until the flour is fully incorporated, forming a thick, shiny dough. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press into an even, smooth layer. It will be thin, which is expected.
Bake the Bars: Bake for 23 to 26 minutes until the top is set but still soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid over-baking as the bars puff up and then firm while cooling. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Frosting: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Add the confectioners’ sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high and beat for 2 minutes until creamy and fully combined. Taste and if too sweet, add a pinch of salt and mix again.
Frost and Chill: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. If desired, sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help set the frosting before slicing.
Serve and Store: Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares. Store leftover frosted bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Without frosting, bars keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Notes

Use unsulphured molasses for best flavor; blackstrap molasses is too strong and bitter for this recipe.
Dark brown sugar enhances the depth of flavor in the cookie bars.
Press the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking thickness.
Under-baking slightly ensures the bars remain tender and chewy rather than dry.
Allow bars to completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
For easier slicing, refrigerate after frosting so it firms up nicely.
These bars can be garnished with sprinkles for a festive presentation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: gingerbread bars, gingerbread cookie bars, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting, spiced bars, gingerbread recipe