Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Hey friend, if you’re craving that cozy, warmly spiced treat that feels like a hug in every bite, you’re going to adore this Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s not just any gingerbread – it’s a soft, chewy cookie bar version packed with all the festive spices you love, and it’s ridiculously easy to whip up. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to holiday (or anytime) sweet fix. Let’s dive in!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here isn’t just for flavor; they all come together to create the magic of these bars. I always recommend using fresh spices for the best aroma and taste, and don’t skip the molasses—that deep richness is a must. Here’s a quick look:

• Butter: Melted butter ensures the batter comes together smoothly and keeps the bars rich and moist.
• Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combo adds sweetness and a bit of moisture with brown sugar’s molasses content.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the spices beautifully and adds depth.
• Molasses: This gives classic gingerbread its signature flavor and a subtle chewiness.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds tenderness.
• Baking Soda: Works as a leavening agent to keep the bars from being too dense.
• Flour: The base of the dough, make sure it’s all-purpose flour for the perfect crumb.
• Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Allspice, Nutmeg: The spice blend delivers that comforting, festive flavor that’s mangoed with gingery warmth.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and keep the sweetness from being one-dimensional.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I love adding little surprises—like chocolate chips for a gooey hit or swapping spices around depending on my mood. Go ahead, experiment! Baking should feel fun, not intimidating.

• Chocolate Chips: I sometimes fold in a handful, and they melt into little pockets of richness that are just heavenly.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. I tested it once and it works great, with just a slightly different texture.
• Spice Level: If you like it bolder, add an extra ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne for warmth.
• Frosting Options: Cream cheese frosting is my go-to, but a simple vanilla glaze or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate works wonders.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Give it a generous spray of non-stick oil or butter it — this helps those bars come out easily afterward. While the oven heats up, it’s time to mix.

Step 2: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses. Beat these together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. The batter will be thick — I recommend using a stand mixer if you have one to make this step easier, but a sturdy hand mixer works fine too.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Crack in the egg and stir just until incorporated. Don’t overmix here—just enough to blend it through.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Slowly add these to your wet mixture and mix until everything forms a thick dough. It should look like cookie dough — thick, soft, and a little sticky.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Using a silicone spatula (or even your fingers—hey, I won’t judge!), evenly press the dough into your prepared baking pan. Pop it in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it because ovens vary. You want crispy edges but a slightly gooey center. It smells heavenly at this stage, trust me!

Step 6: Cool and Optional Frosting

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. If you want to go the extra mile, frost with cream cheese or vanilla frosting and top with festive sprinkles for that holiday sparkle. Then cut into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle these bars with holiday-themed sprinkles when frosting them—it just gives that cheerful vibe perfect for gifting or entertaining. Sometimes, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a lovely touch too.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, chai tea, or a classic latte—trust me, the spice in the bars pairs wonderfully with warm, creamy drinks that balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

I love arranging these bars on festive platters with a sprinkle of fresh cranberries, pine sprigs, or cinnamon sticks when hosting guests. Wrapping cut bars in parchment paper with a ribbon makes them charming homemade gifts too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bars keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. I usually stack them separated by parchment paper so they don’t stick together or lose their soft texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp before enjoying.

Reheating

I like to warm leftover bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe holds a special place on my baking shelf because it’s easy, comforting, and festive all at once. Nothing beats the smell of fresh gingerbread bars filling your kitchen, inviting everyone over for a sweet moment. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—it’s like creating a little slice of cozy happiness in every square. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe in your collection for years to come!

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