Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, deeply flavorful treat to bring some warmth to your kitchen, this Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These bars pack all the nostalgic spices of traditional gingerbread with an easy, baked-in-one-pan magic that’s perfect when you want gingerbread flavor without the fuss of rolling cookies. Honestly, I can’t get enough of how these bars come out with a perfectly balanced snap on the edges and a tender, slightly gooey center — they’re just fan-freaking-tastic!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe plays a crucial role — from the rich molasses that carry the signature deep flavor to the spices that lift the whole thing with warmth. Here’s what you’re working with and why I think it’s a winning combo.

• Butter: Melted for easy mixing and a smooth, rich base that makes the bars fudgy at the center.
• Sugars (White and Brown): The white sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar brings moisture and that irresistible caramel note.
• Vanilla Extract: A subtle background flavor that enhances the spices and molasses.
• Molasses: The star ingredient here, providing classic gingerbread depth and a slight chewiness in texture.
• Egg: Binds everything together for the perfect structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise a bit and creates a tender crumb with a light lift.
• Flour: All-purpose works beautifully for structure without heaviness.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Allspice, Nutmeg): The holy quartet that delivers the perfect warm and spicy aroma you’re craving.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and bring out the flavors.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m always tweaking this Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what’s in my pantry. The great news? It’s forgiving and invites you to make it yours, whether that means adding nuts or swapping out the molasses.

• Nutty Twist: I like adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for that extra crunch – it’s a great contrast against the soft center.
• Frosting Flair: Cream cheese frosting is my go-to when I want to get fancy; vanilla glaze works too if you want something lighter.
• Spice Adjustments: If you love ginger, feel free to up that ginger measurement by half a teaspoon—my ginger-loving friends swear by this.
• Molasses Swap: If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or honey can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Wet Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prep your pan by spraying a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses. Beat these together until the mixture is creamy and smooth—it will look luscious! This usually takes me about 1-2 minutes with a hand mixer; if you have a stand mixer, it makes this even easier. The thick molasses means your batter is rich, and getting it perfectly creamy here sets the tone for a great texture later.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg, Then Dry Ingredients

Once your wet ingredients are creamy and smooth, add the egg and stir it in until just combined. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients and fold until it’s all combined into a thick, cookie-dough-like batter. Don’t overmix here; just get it blended.

Step 3: Spread, Bake, and Cool

Use a silicone spatula or even your fingers (yes, fingers!) to spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. This batter can be dense, so don’t stress if it feels like you have to press a little. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Remember, ovens all behave differently; you want the edges to be crispy and the center still a little gooey when you poke it gently. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose that chewy magic. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

Step 4: Frosting and Final Touches (Optional)

If you’re going for the extra indulgence, let your bars cool completely, then slather on cream cheese or vanilla frosting and dress them up with some festive Christmas sprinkles. It’s a little party on a bar!

How to Serve Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of colorful Christmas sprinkles when serving for a festive touch. A drizzle of cream cheese frosting elevates them to irresistible dessert status, especially around the holidays.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a mug of hot toddy, spiced chai tea, or a classic cup of coffee. For parties, I often serve alongside warm apple cider or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert with a twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or special occasions, I slice the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter layered with wax paper. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with twine makes for charming edible gifts your friends will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover gingerbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually keep well for up to 4 days. The texture stays delightfully soft, and the spices deepen in flavor overnight, making the next-day bars even more magical.

Freezing

Definitely freeze extras if you can! I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag so they don’t pick up any freezer smells. They freeze well for up to 3 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for surprise guests or hectic weeknights.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it in a 325°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives that just-baked warmth and gooeyness that makes these bars so addictive.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe hold a special spot in my heart; they remind me of cozy afternoons baking with family and the joy of simple, comforting flavors. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a thoughtful gift, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and love it as much as I do—nothing beats that warm gingerbread scent filling your kitchen, trust me!

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