Description

These soft and chewy gingerbread cookie bars are packed with classic holiday spices and topped with creamy festive frosting. They’re easy to make in one pan—no rolling, cutting, or chilling required—making them the perfect treat for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup molasses
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease well.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract; whisk until glossy and well blended.
Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix just until no dry flour remains; do not overmix.
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 25–28 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely in the pan (30–45 minutes).
For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until fluffy and creamy.
Spread frosting over cooled bars. Decorate with festive sprinkles or desired toppings.
Slice into squares or bars and serve.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter for chewy bars. Use parchment paper for easy removal. Check baking time early to avoid dry bars. Frost only when bars are completely cool. Decorate while frosting is soft for best results. Bars can be made gluten-free or vegan with simple swaps.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–28 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (1/20 of batch
Calories: 190
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 90
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 29
Fiber: 1
Protein: 2

Keywords: gingerbread cookie bars, holiday dessert, easy gingerbread, frosted bars, Christmas baking, festive treats