Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are an indulgent treat that brings the warmth of the holiday season into every bite. These bars are soft and chewy, topped with a sweet, creamy layer of frosting that perfectly balances the spices of ginger and cinnamon. The aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to come and enjoy a slice. Perfect for gatherings, cozy nights at home, or sharing with friends, these cookie bars offer a delightful twist on traditional favorites. With their easy preparation and festive flavors, they make for a special dessert that’s both seasonal and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are ideal for holiday celebrations, cozy winter nights, or simply as a comforting treat. Their chewy texture and rich flavor make them a hit at parties, while the ease of preparation means fewer worries for the baker. Not only do they evoke the spirit of the season, but they’re also undeniably delicious and versatile. Garnish them with nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch or enjoy them plain for pure satisfaction. Want some holiday baking tips? You can find expert advice at King Arthur Baking.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
This season, fresh ginger, aromatic cinnamon, and fragrant cloves shine in this recipe, giving it that classic warm spice profile. The rich, deep hues of the spices contrast beautifully with the golden-brown batter, while the creamy frosting adds a luscious white topping that feels festive. These ingredients are often sourced locally, ensuring freshness and supporting sustainable farming practices. The enticing aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen is a surefire way to cheer up anyone’s day, infusing the atmosphere with warmth and nostalgia.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Milk, as needed for frosting consistency
These ingredients create a delightful balance of flavor and texture—soft, chewy bars covered with a rich, tangy frosting. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider substituting brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lighter flavor or using a dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This is crucial for ensuring your bars don’t stick!
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The smell of the spices will instantly transport you to holiday kitchens.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. This creates a rich, creamy base for your bars.
4. Mix in Wet Ingredients
Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla until well combined. The deep, rich molasses will add moisture and flavor to the batter.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft batter.
6. Spread in the Baking Pan
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. A spatula works best for smoothing the top.
7. Bake the Bars
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. These bars should spring back slightly when touched.
8. Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. This is a great time to clean up your workspace!
9. Make the Frosting
For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. The creamy mixture should be lump-free and easy to spread.
10. Add the Sugar
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined and creamy. If needed, add milk a teaspoon at a time for desired consistency.
11. Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting over the cooled gingerbread bars and slice into squares to serve. Enjoy their soft, flavorful texture and sweet topping!
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients and making the frosting.
- Electric mixer – To ensure fluffy batter and frosting.
- Spatula – For spreading the batter and frosting evenly.
- 9×13 inch baking pan – The perfect size for these cookie bars.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars can be made ahead and stored for freshness. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap or transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted bars—just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Perfect Pairings
Pair these bars with a warm cup of spiced chai or a classic holiday beverage like eggnog. They also complement a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pears, which adds a refreshing crunch. You could even serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. Presentation tip: sprinkle the tops with a little cinnamon for a festive touch.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Dough Too Dry
If your batter appears too dry, add a splash of milk to bring it back to a pliable consistency.
Frosting Too Thick
If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, gradually add milk to reach your desired consistency.
Unevenly Baked Bars
Make sure to bake for the full suggested time; if your bars are brown on the edges but not set in the middle, they may need a little more time.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor—old spices can lose potency.
- Allow your butter and cream cheese to soften before mixing for smoother batter and frosting.
- For added texture, sprinkle crushed nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Recipe Variations to Explore
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Frosting alternatives: Try maple cream cheese frosting for a different twist.
- Flavored variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or some orange zest for extra seasonal flavor.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
This recipe can be adapted to various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make it dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cream cheese. Always check labels if serving someone with allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be baked a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
How do I ensure the bars stay moist?
Avoid overbaking. Check doneness with a toothpick and remove as soon as they’re baked through.
What if my frosting is too runny?
If the frosting becomes too thin, gradually mix in more powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency.
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes! Freeze the unfrosted bars tightly wrapped. Thaw before frosting and serving.
How should I store the finished bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect treat for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on a cozy night in. Happy baking!
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, chewy, and flavorful, making them a perfect festive treat for the holiday season.
For the Gingerbread Bars
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- as needed teaspoon milk (for frosting consistency)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined and creamy.
- If needed, add milk a teaspoon at a time for desired consistency.
Serving
- Spread the frosting over the cooled gingerbread bars and slice into squares to serve.
These bars can be made ahead and stored for freshness. They can also be frozen unfrosted for longer storage.
