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Gingerbread Cookie Bars – Soft, Spiced & Perfect for Christmas

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars deliver everything you love about classic gingerbread cookies—but without the effort of rolling or cutting. Soft, chewy, warmly spiced, and topped with a sweet vanilla frosting (optional), they’re perfect for Christmas gatherings, dessert tables, and cozy winter nights. Every bite is filled with deep molasses flavor, aromatic spices, and that signature holiday warmth that makes gingerbread irresistible.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
bake & Frosting & cooling time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 28 bars
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For the Gingerbread Bars
  • 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cloves optional
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup Molasses
  • 1 large Egg
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
For the Frosting (Optional but amazing)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 2 –3 tablespoons Milk
  • Christmas sprinkles optional
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Equipment

  • 9×13 baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. 🔹 PART 1 — PREPARE THE GINGERBREAD DOUGH
Step 1 — Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
Step 2 — Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a bowl, whisk together:
  2. Flour
  3. Baking soda
  4. Salt
  5. Ginger
  6. Cinnamon
  7. Nutmeg
  8. Cloves (optional)
  9. These spices create the signature gingerbread aroma.
Step 3 — Cream Butter & Sugar
  1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar.
  2. Mix until light, fluffy, and creamy.
Step 4 — Add Egg, Molasses & Vanilla
  1. Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
  2. Add molasses — this gives gingerbread its deep, rich flavor.
  3. Add vanilla extract.
  4. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 5 — Add Dry Ingredients
  1. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
  2. Mix on low speed or fold by hand until a soft dough forms.
  3. Do NOT overmix—this keeps the bars tender.
  4. 🔹 PART 2 — BAKE THE COOKIE BARS
Step 6 — Press Dough Into Pan
  1. Transfer dough into the lined baking pan.
  2. Smooth into an even layer with a spatula.
Step 7 — Bake
  1. Bake 14–18 minutes, until edges are set and center looks slightly soft.
  2. Do NOT overbake — bars firm as they cool.
Step 8 — Cool Completely
  1. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  2. Lift out with parchment and cool fully on a rack.
  3. 🔹 PART 3 — MAKE THE VANILLA FROSTING (Optional)
Step 9 — Cream the Butter
  1. Beat softened butter until smooth.
Step 10 — Add Powdered Sugar
  1. Add powdered sugar gradually.
  2. Beat until fluffy.
Step 11 — Add Milk & Vanilla
  1. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
  2. Add vanilla extract.
  3. Mix until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Step 12 — Frost the Bars
  1. Spread frosting over cooled bars.
  2. Add Christmas sprinkles for a festive look.
Step 13 — Slice & Serve
  1. Cut into squares, rectangles, or small bite-size bars.

Notes

🧊 Storage
Room Temperature
Store in airtight container for 3–4 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps 1 week (especially if frosted).
Freezer
Freeze bars up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temp for soft texture.
🥄 Variations
1. White Chocolate Drizzle Bars
Add melted white chocolate instead of frosting.
2. Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Bars
Fold 1 cup chocolate chips into the dough.
3. Molasses-Free Version
Use dark brown sugar only (flavor will be milder).
4. Frosted Cream Cheese Version
Use cream cheese frosting for extra richness.
5. Gingerbread Latte Bars
Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to dry ingredients.
6. Christmas Funfetti Bars
Add red & green sprinkles into the dough.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use fresh ginger?
No — ground ginger gives the classic gingerbread flavor.
2. Why did my bars turn dry?
They were overbaked. Gingerbread bars should be soft.
3. Can I skip molasses?
Yes, but flavor will be milder—replace with brown sugar.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a larger sheet pan.
5. Can I make them without frosting?
Absolutely — they’re delicious plain.
6. Should the dough be sticky?
Yes — gingerbread dough is naturally soft and sticky.
7. Can I add nuts?
Yes — pecans or walnuts work great.
8. Can kids help make these?
Yes — especially spreading frosting and adding sprinkles.
9. Why does my frosting melt?
Bars were too warm. Always cool completely before frosting.
10. Can I turn these into cookie sandwiches?
Yes! Frost one bar and press another on top.
🏁 Conclusion
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars deliver holiday flavor in the easiest way possible. Soft, sweet, warmly spiced, and topped with vanilla frosting, they’re perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, family gatherings, and winter desserts. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and buttery cookie base makes these bars a festive must-make. Simple to prepare, fun to decorate, and absolutely delicious, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite.