Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Name: Chewy Gingerbread Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

by Peter Harper

Published on: November 26, 2025

Chewy gingerbread bars with warm spices and a soft texture.

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Chewy Gingerbread Bars are an indulgent treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their soft, tender center and slightly chewy exterior, these bars are fragrant with the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The inviting aroma fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for sharing with friends and family. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity; made with readily available ingredients, it’s an easy bake that brings joy whether for a festive gathering or a comforting weekend delight.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy Gingerbread Bars are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to cozy winter nights at home. The warm spices and sweet molasses create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and festive, making them a favorite for seasonal gatherings. They’re not just delicious; with their easy preparation, you can whip these up quickly, even on busy days. Whether served alongside a warm cup of tea or as a sweet ending to a family meal, these bars are versatile enough to fit into any moment.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe showcases an array of seasonal ingredients that enhance its appeal. The deep brown molasses provides rich color and sweetness, while the warm spices like ginger and cinnamon evoke the essence of winter festivities. Freshly grated ginger can add an extra kick, elevating the flavor profile with its zesty aroma. The textures of these ingredients combine to create a moist, dense bar that perfectly embodies the comforting tastes of the season. Using local and organic ingredients not only supports sustainability but also elevates the freshness of your baked goods.

What You’ll Need

To make Chewy Gingerbread Bars, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These pantry staples create a rich and flavorful base. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, use coconut oil in place of butter.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of your bars.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. The spices should create a warm, inviting aroma.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This mixture should be light in color and fluffy, indicating enough air has been incorporated.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined. This mixture will become rich and glossy.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

6. Pour and Spread

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. The batter will be thick and sticky.

7. Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bars should be firm yet slightly springy.

8. Cool and Cut

Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving. This waiting period makes it easier to cut into perfect squares.

Essential Tools

To make Chewy Gingerbread Bars, you will need:

Mixing bowls (both large and medium-sized)
A whisk for mixing dry ingredients
A hand or stand mixer for creaming butter and sugar
A 9×13 inch baking dish
Parchment paper for lining the dish
A spatula for spreading the batter

These tools will help you efficiently prepare your delicious bars.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

To keep your Chewy Gingerbread Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them; wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

Perfect Pairings

Chewy Gingerbread Bars pair wonderfully with hot beverages like chai tea, spiced apple cider, or even a rich cup of cocoa. For a delightful treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful touch, while a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce elevates their festive presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 bar):

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 dough seems dry, add a splash of milk until it becomes pliable. This will enhance the moistness of your bars.

Unevenly Shaped Bars

Ensure even cooking by using a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the baking dish.

Pro Tips for Best Results

For the best texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. Additionally, letting the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes helps them firm up, making cutting easier. Experiment by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Try swapping the spices for pumpkin pie spice for a different twist. You can add chocolate chips for a sweet contrast or incorporate nuts for added crunch. For a festive touch, drizzle with white chocolate before serving.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

This recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs. To make it vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). For gluten-free bars, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor, but it may slightly alter the texture.

2. How long do these bars last?
They can last up to a week at room temperature, or longer if frozen.

3. Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, such as adding more ginger for extra kick.

4. Is it necessary to use molasses?
Molasses gives the bars their chewy texture and unique flavor, but you can substitute with honey or maple syrup if needed.

5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a week or frozen for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

In summary, these Chewy Gingerbread Bars are a delightful addition to any seasonal spread. With their rich flavor and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your results with us on social media or check out our other dessert recipes here. Happy baking!