Description
Festive holiday spirit shines through these gingerbread cookie bars, blending warm spices with sweet nostalgia. Rich molasses and classic Christmas flavors invite friends and family to savor comfort in each delightful square.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Leavening Agent:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients:
- 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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Whisk together all dry ingredients in a medium bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening agent.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate egg, stirring until fully blended, then mix in vanilla extract and robust molasses.
- Gradually fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth, consistent dough forms without overmixing.
- Transfer dough into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and pressing gently to create uniform thickness.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly firm center.
- Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in pan for 1 hour before slicing into rectangular portions.
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe blade between slices.
Notes
- Swap out butter for coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free and add a subtle tropical twist.
- Use gluten-free flour blend to create a delicious alternative for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the deep, complex flavors of the gingerbread and create a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
- For extra moisture, ensure ingredients like butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing, which helps create a more tender and consistent texture in the bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg