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Gingerbread Cookie Bars: Easy Festive Treat with Cream Cheese Frosting

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These gingerbread cookie bars are a quick, festive treat packed with warm spices and topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, they deliver nostalgic comfort with every chewy bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or candied ginger (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until evenly blended.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Mix in molasses, scrape the bowl, then add egg and vanilla. Beat until just combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand. If dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk.
  6. Spread dough evenly into prepared pan using a rubber spatula.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until bars are set on top with a slight give in the center.
  8. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack, at least 30 minutes.
  9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and fluffy.
  10. Spread frosting over cooled bars with an offset spatula. Add sprinkles or other festive toppings if desired.
  11. Cut into 24 squares. Serve at room temperature or chill for firmer frosting.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese. Don’t overbake for soft bars; check at 17 minutes if your oven runs hot. Let bars cool completely before frosting to avoid melting. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, cookie bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, Christmas, easy baking, festive treats, chewy bars, spiced cookies

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars-easy-festive-treat-with-cream-cheese-frosting/