Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread cookie bars baking away. There’s just something so comforting about these bars—like a big, soft hug in dessert form. I remember the first time I made them; my whole family gathered around, eagerly waiting for that first bite. The joy on their faces as they sunk their teeth into those soft, chewy bars was priceless! These gingerbread cookie bars are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to bring everyone together and create cherished memories. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or just a quiet evening at home, I promise you’ll find these bars to be the perfect sweet companion. So, let’s dive into making these delicious gingerbread cookie bars that will warm your heart and home!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To whip up these delightful gingerbread cookie bars, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. First off, grab 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, which forms the base of our bars. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon each of ground ginger and ground cinnamon, plus a teaspoon of nutmeg to really pack in those warm, holiday spices. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of baking soda to help everything rise, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness.
Next, we have the stars of the show: 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar, which together create that rich, chewy texture we all love. To add depth of flavor, include 1/2 cup of molasses, 1 large egg for binding, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a lovely aroma. If you want a little crunch, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, but that’s totally optional. Trust me, this combination will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Making these gingerbread cookie bars is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with holiday cheer! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps evenly distribute those spices throughout the batter, ensuring every bite is flavorful!
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
So, first things first, crank up that oven! Preheating is essential because it helps the bars bake evenly. While the oven is getting warm, combine your dry ingredients in a bowl. Just whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This will create the perfect base for our delicious bars!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, it’s time to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar in a separate bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your bars that lovely soft texture we all crave!
Combining Wet Ingredients
Next, add the molasses, the egg, and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Oh, the smell of molasses and vanilla is just heavenly! This combination is what adds that moistness and rich flavor to your gingerbread cookie bars.
Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—combining the dry and wet ingredients! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that fluffy texture. If you’re adding pecans, now’s the time to fold them in. Your batter should be thick and deliciously aromatic!
Baking the Bars
Finally, spread the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on them! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let them cool in the pan before cutting into those heavenly bars. You’re going to love every bite!
Tips for Success with Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To ensure your gingerbread cookie bars turn out perfectly, here are a few tips that I always keep in mind. First, make sure your butter is softened, but not melted; this helps create that fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. If it’s too soft, your bars might spread too much while baking. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter once you combine the dry and wet ingredients—this can lead to dense bars instead of the light, chewy goodness we want!
Another great tip is to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, especially if it’s not baking evenly. Lastly, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them—this helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner, more beautiful pieces. Trust me, with these simple tricks, your gingerbread cookie bars will be a hit every time!
Nutritional Information
As with any homemade treat, the nutritional information for these gingerbread cookie bars can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, one bar contains about 180 calories, with 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 29g of carbohydrates. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can change slightly based on your choices. Always feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying these delicious bars!
FAQ about Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Got questions about these delightful gingerbread cookie bars? I’ve got you covered! One common question is, Can I use different spices? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cloves for a unique twist. Another frequent query is, How should I store them? I recommend keeping these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
People often ask, Can I substitute the molasses? You can use honey or maple syrup in a pinch, but it will slightly change the flavor. Lastly, Are there any nut-free options? Of course! Just leave out the pecans or replace them with chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Easy to make, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Deliciously spiced flavor that captures the essence of the holidays.
- Soft and chewy texture that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile—great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying at home.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
Serving Suggestions
These gingerbread cookie bars are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level by pairing them with a warm cup of spiced chai or apple cider. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess! They also make a lovely addition to a holiday dessert platter, alongside cookies and festive treats. Trust me, everyone will love the cozy vibe they bring to your table!
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Gingerbread Cookie Bars: 5 Sweet Reasons to Love Them
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious gingerbread cookie bars with warm spices.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 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
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
- If using, fold in chopped pecans.
- Spread the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed within a week.
- Can be topped with icing if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: gingerbread, cookie bars, dessert, holiday treats
