Go Back

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Soft, thick, and chewy gingerbread bars topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles. The perfect no-fuss holiday dessert.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Gingerbread Bars
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/3 cup molasses unsulfured
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
Decoration
  • Holiday sprinkles red and green
  • Candy cane toppers sugar decorations

Equipment

  • 9x9 or 9x13 Baking Pan
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 or 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes until center is set but soft. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
  7. Spread frosting generously over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles and candy cane decorations.
  8. Lift out of pan using parchment paper and cut into squares. Serve.

Notes

Ensure bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.