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Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

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Delicious and tender gingerbread cookie bars topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy treats.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Gingerbread Bars
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour For structure and tender crumb.
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda To help the bars rise slightly and create a soft texture.
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger The star spice for bright, warming ginger flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For classic warmth and depth.
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice Adds a subtle, complex spice note.
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves For a warm, slightly sweet bite.
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg To round out the spice profile.
  • pinch ground black pepper Enhances the spices and adds a faint heat.
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt To balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, melted For richness and moist texture.
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar Contributes moisture and molasses-like caramel notes.
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar For sweetness and structure.
  • 0.33 cup unsulphured molasses Gives that deep, robust gingerbread flavor.
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature For binding and tenderness.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For aromatic sweetness.
For the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 6 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened For creamy, tangy frosting.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened To make the frosting smooth and spreadable.
  • 1.5 cups confectioners’ sugar To sweeten and thicken the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For flavor in the frosting.
  • pinch ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice for frosting To echo the bar spices.
  • Optional: sprinkles for garnish For a festive finish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses until smooth and no large lumps of sugar remain.
  4. Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture and whisk until combined and glossy.
  5. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until no traces of flour remain.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using your hands or the back of a spatula.
Baking
  1. Bake for 23 to 26 minutes until set but still soft in the center.
  2. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 1 hour.
Frosting
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, the spices, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
  3. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars.
  4. Refrigerate the frosted bars for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g

Notes

Bring the egg and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing. Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.

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