Gingerbread Cookie Bars: The Perfect Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven, especially during the holiday season. It brings a sense of warmth and coziness that’s hard to beat. If you’re like me, you’re probably looking for a holiday treat that’s easy to make but still brings all the festive flavors to the table. Enter these Gingerbread Cookie Bars – they are absolutely perfect! They’ve got all the rich, spiced flavor of gingerbread cookies but without all the fuss of rolling dough and cutting shapes. Plus, they come together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.

I’ve made these bars countless times, and every time I’m reminded of why they’re a holiday favorite. They’re soft, chewy, and the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. If you’ve ever found yourself short on time but craving that gingerbread goodness, these cookie bars are your solution. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients. No fancy equipment needed, just basic items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flour: All-purpose flour works best here. It gives the bars that perfect texture – not too dense, but not too light either.
• Baking soda: This helps the bars rise and gives them the light, soft crumb that’s so irresistible.
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves: These spices are what make gingerbread so comforting and festive. The ginger gives it a little zing, while the cinnamon and cloves round out the flavor and add warmth.
• Butter: Softened butter is key to getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You want the butter to mix easily with the sugar and create that perfect chewy texture.
• Sugar: I use both brown sugar and white sugar. The brown sugar brings a caramel-like depth of flavor, while the white sugar helps the bars stay sweet and soft.
• Egg: One egg is all you need to bind everything together and give the bars their structure.
• Molasses: This is the star ingredient. It gives gingerbread its signature dark color and slightly smoky sweetness. It’s absolutely essential in this recipe!
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a nice depth of flavor that really brings everything together.

Optional, but highly recommended: a simple glaze or frosting. It’s not necessary, but it gives these bars a nice finishing touch and makes them even more indulgent.

How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

I can’t stress enough how easy these gingerbread cookie bars are to make. If you’re like me and prefer to spend less time in the kitchen during the holidays, this recipe will be a lifesaver. Here’s how you can whip them up in no time:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Before you do anything, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This helps prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is my go-to for easy removal, especially with these gooey, soft bars.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This step really brings out the beautiful aromas of the spices. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or a wooden spoon, if you’re feeling traditional) to cream the softened butter and both sugars together. You want this mixture to become light and fluffy – this step is what gives the bars that soft, tender texture. The sugar will melt into the butter, creating a smooth base for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. The molasses is what gives these bars their deep, rich color and flavor, and the vanilla adds a subtle sweetness. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. As soon as you add the molasses, you’ll notice the mixture deepens in color and the kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix – you don’t want to lose the tender texture of the bars. Once the dough is smooth and sticky, you’re ready to go.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing it into the edges so it’s nice and uniform. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells like a cozy gingerbread dream.

Once they’re done, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s tempting to dive in right away, but let them cool down so they set properly.

Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Bars

Making these gingerbread bars is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips to help you get them just right every time:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly and prevents any clumps in your dough.
• Check the doneness: Since ovens vary, it’s a good idea to start checking the bars around the 25-minute mark. They should be firm to the touch but not dry. Remember, they’ll firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t overbake.
• Customize your spices: If you love gingerbread with a stronger spice kick, feel free to add more ginger or cinnamon. Adjusting the spices to your taste is one of the easiest ways to make this recipe your own.
• Frosting and Glaze: These bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to add an extra touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla. Or, you could top them with a cream cheese frosting for a richer treat.
• Make ahead: These bars actually taste even better the next day, so feel free to make them ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Bars

If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy all the cozy, spiced flavors of gingerbread without the hassle of cookie cutters, these bars are exactly what you need. They have that perfect chewy texture, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Plus, they’re super versatile. You can enjoy them on their own, or take them to your next holiday party or family gathering.

What I love most about these bars is how they fill the whole house with that signature gingerbread scent as they bake. There’s just something so comforting about it, especially when the weather turns chilly. Whether you’re baking for a holiday get-together or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, these gingerbread cookie bars will not disappoint.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a simple yet festive dessert that you can whip up in no time. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with all the wonderful flavors of gingerbread that make the holidays so special. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a cozy treat for yourself, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and get baking – these gingerbread bars are waiting to fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!