Name: Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter; 1/2 cup (110 grams) brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup (85 grams) molasses

Crafting delightful gingerbread cookie bars brings warmth to chilly winter afternoons.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and molasses will drift through your kitchen.

Memories of childhood holidays dance around these soft, spiced treats.

Cozy moments await with each delectable bite of this simple dessert.

Baking these bars connects you to generations of cherished family traditions.

Comforting spices like ginger and nutmeg create an irresistible charm.

Whip up this recipe and let pure joy fill your home.

Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple mixing and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
Family Gathering Delight: These soft, spicy bars create instant memories and work wonderfully for potlucks, school parties, or cozy weekend treats that everyone will love.
Quick Dessert Solution: Ready in under an hour, these bars deliver rich, nostalgic gingerbread taste without complicated steps or extensive preparation time.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread bars.
Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist texture in the bars.
Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and contributes to the bars' soft, chewy consistency.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the recipe.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
Molasses: Gives the bars their signature deep, dark color and rich, complex sweetness.

Optional Topping:

Powdered Sugar: A light dusting that adds a sweet finish and decorative touch to the gingerbread bars.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Ready the Baking Pan

Crank your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal.

Lightly grease the parchment to ensure smooth bar release.

Step 2: Blend the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Baking soda

Ensure all the spices are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor throughout the bars.

Step 3: Create the Wet Mixture

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add in:

Egg
Vanilla extract
Molasses

Mix until the ingredients are completely combined and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix on low speed until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan.

Slice into squares and enjoy your spicy, sweet gingerbread treat.

Add a pinch of black pepper or cardamom to enhance the warm spice profile of gingerbread.
Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
Replace some molasses with dark honey to create a softer, more tender texture in the bars.
Adjust brown sugar quantity based on preference, keeping total sugar content consistent for proper baking chemistry.
Wrap unbaked dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing spices to meld and develop deeper flavor before baking.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Vegan Spice Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose plant-based molasses for a dairy-free option.
Low-Sugar Ginger Bars: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
Chocolate Gingerbread Bars: Add dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the batter for a decadent chocolate-spice combination.

Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange gingerbread bars on a decorative Christmas plate with sprinkled powdered sugar and small candy cane accents for a delightful seasonal presentation.
Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve warm bars alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a steaming mug of spiced chai tea for a comforting winter treat that enhances the rich gingerbread flavors.
Gifting Delight: Package bars in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a holiday gift tag, perfect for homemade edible presents that spread warmth and cheer to friends and family.
Afternoon Tea Companion: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized squares and place on a tiered serving tray with other holiday cookies, creating an elegant dessert spread for afternoon gatherings.

Store cooled gingerbread bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and drying out the bars.
Warm bars in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent edges from becoming too crisp and maintain soft texture.

FAQs

What gives gingerbread bars their signature spice flavor?

The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates the classic warm, spicy taste that defines traditional gingerbread.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Why is molasses important in this recipe?

Molasses adds deep, rich flavor and moisture to the bars, creating the authentic gingerbread taste and helping to keep the bars soft and chewy.

How do I know when the gingerbread bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re done but not overbaked.

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.

Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Cozy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe: A Festive Treat for All