Looking for a cozy and delicious treat to warm up your holiday season? These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect answer! With the rich, spiced flavor of traditional gingerbread, these bars are easy to make and a fun twist on classic cookies. Whether you're preparing them for a festive gathering, a family treat, or just because you're craving something sweet and spiced, this recipe has you covered. So, grab your apron and follow along as we dive into this mouthwatering Gingerbread Cookie Bars recipe!

What Are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
Gingerbread cookie bars are a variation of the classic gingerbread cookies, but in bar form. Imagine the same delightful flavors of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all in a soft, chewy, and slightly dense square. The bar version is not only faster and easier to prepare than rolling and cutting individual cookies, but it also gives you that perfect, satisfying bite every time. These bars are fantastic for a crowd and hold up well for gatherings, gift-giving, or even as a special treat during the holiday season. If you love gingerbread, these cookie bars will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ¼ cups. The base of any cookie recipe, flour helps give the bars structure and chew.
- Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon. This helps the bars rise slightly and keeps them from becoming too dense.
- Ground Ginger – 2 teaspoons. The star spice of the show, ginger adds a warm and slightly sharp flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – 1 ½ teaspoons. Cinnamon complements the ginger and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Ground Cloves – ¼ teaspoon. Cloves add a deep, rich spiciness that enhances the ginger flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon. Nutmeg brings warmth and depth to the spice blend.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon. Salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Unsalted Butter – ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks), softened. Butter gives the bars a tender, rich texture.
- Brown Sugar – ¾ cup, packed. Brown sugar provides sweetness and moisture while adding a caramel-like flavor from the molasses.
- Molasses – ½ cup. Molasses is key to achieving that traditional gingerbread flavor and color.
- Egg – 1 large. The egg binds the ingredients together and helps with the texture.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon. Vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of the bars’ flavor.
Ingredients List for the Frosting (Optional)
- Powdered Sugar – 1 ½ cups. For a sweet, smooth frosting base.
- Unsalted Butter – ¼ cup, softened. Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- Milk – 2-3 tablespoons. To adjust the frosting’s consistency to your liking.
- Vanilla Extract – ½ teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Ground Cinnamon – ¼ teaspoon. For an extra layer of warm spice in the frosting.
Substitutions and Variations
- Butter Substitution: You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
- Molasses Substitute: If you don't have molasses, dark corn syrup or maple syrup can work in a pinch, although it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Spice Variations: If you're not a fan of cloves or nutmeg, feel free to omit them or adjust the quantities to suit your taste. You can also add cardamom for a unique twist.
- Frosting Variations: If you're not into a classic buttercream frosting, you can drizzle the bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze or even top them with cream cheese frosting for an extra tangy treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
- Add-Ins: For a little extra texture, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter. Chocolate chips also make a great addition for a gingerbread-chocolate combo.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the butter mixture, add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread the Dough: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth out the top.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting or cutting into squares.
How to Cook Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare – Always start by preheating the oven and prepping your baking pan to ensure everything goes smoothly. This step helps maintain an even cooking temperature.
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients – Make sure to whisk together the flour and spices well so that the spices distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar – Take your time with this step, as creaming the butter and sugar properly is key to getting a light and fluffy texture.
- Step 4: Combine and Bake – When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid tough cookie bars. Bake according to the instructions but keep an eye on them towards the end of baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking can make them dry and hard. Look for the edges to be set and a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix the ingredients until just combined for a tender texture.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: It’s tempting to frost and cut the bars right away, but letting them cool completely ensures they hold their shape and the frosting doesn’t melt.
- Using Cold Butter: Always start with softened butter. Cold butter won't mix as smoothly, leading to uneven texture in the bars.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your gingerbread cookie bars are cooled and frosted, it’s time to think about presentation. These bars are as beautiful as they are delicious, so why not make the most of it?
- Cutting Into Even Squares: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to get neat, even squares or rectangles. If you're aiming for perfect portions, use a ruler to measure out equal sections.
- Decorative Frosting: For a more festive look, pipe some decorative frosting on top or add holiday sprinkles. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars for a fancier touch.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: If you’re not using frosting, a light dusting of powdered sugar will give the bars a pretty, wintry look.
- Add Fresh Fruit: For a fresh contrast to the sweet and spiced bars, consider serving with a side of berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These gingerbread cookie bars are perfect as they are, but they also pair wonderfully with a few extra touches:
- With Coffee or Tea: Serve the bars with a warm cup of coffee, spiced tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Holiday Dessert Tray: These bars are perfect for a holiday dessert platter alongside other seasonal treats like sugar cookies, peppermint bark, and fudge.
- Gift Giving: Wrap individual bars in wax paper, tie with twine, and add a gift tag for a simple and delicious homemade gift.
Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Festive Plates: Serve your bars on a festive holiday-themed platter or tray to bring out the seasonal cheer.
- Stacked Display: Stack the bars in a pyramid shape for an eye-catching centerpiece on your dessert table.
- Add Garnishes: Garnish the platter with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or sprigs of fresh rosemary for a natural, festive touch.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Molasses Choice: Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too bitter for this recipe.
- Make-Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. They also freeze well if you want to bake ahead for the holidays.
- Frosting: For easier spreading, make sure your frosting is at room temperature. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the bars (without frosting) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. You can double the recipe and bake in two separate pans or use a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary.
Do I have to frost the bars?
No, the bars are delicious even without frosting. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
How do I store gingerbread cookie bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If frosted, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Conclusion
Gingerbread cookie bars are a perfect combination of classic holiday flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re making them for a festive party or as a cozy treat for yourself, they are sure to delight everyone with their warm spices and soft, chewy texture. Try out this recipe today and enjoy the taste of the holidays in every bite!
PrintGingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Enjoy the cozy flavors of gingerbread in bar form—perfect for a holiday dessert or snack. Simple to prepare, this recipe is a festive crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Flour
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Baking soda
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Molasses
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar, then add egg, vanilla, and molasses.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Spread batter into baking dish and bake until golden.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can top with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
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