Print

Cozy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

gingerbread cookie bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These cozy gingerbread cookie bars feature a moist, spiced base topped with a light, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for warm, comforting moments and easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup (113 g) molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) buttermilk (or substitute with ⅓ cup milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 to 1½ cups (120–180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Mix in the molasses until well blended. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
  5. Alternately add the dry mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture in three additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  6. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the bars completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  9. Beat the cream cheese and softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars with a spatula.
  11. Slice into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the knife between slices.

Notes

Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to trap air for tender bars. Use buttermilk or milk with vinegar for moisture. Mix dry and wet ingredients on low speed to avoid tough texture. Chill frosted bars for 20 minutes before slicing for clean cuts. Variations include gluten-free flour, vegan substitutions, adding spices like cardamom or black pepper, orange zest, nuts, or pumpkin puree swirl.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, spiced bars, easy baking, cozy treats

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/cozy-gingerbread-cookie-bars-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting/