Print

Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Recipe

Warm, tender gingerbread cookie bars topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Small pinch of ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 6 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, & allspice for frosting
  • Optional: sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses in a medium bowl and mix until smooth.
  4. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until smooth.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until combined.
  6. Press the dough into the prepared baking pan evenly.
  7. Bake for 23 to 26 minutes until set at the edges.
  8. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour.
  9. Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and spices, mixing well.
  11. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing. Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, cookie bars, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://easydessertideas.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars-spiced-cream-cheese-frosting/