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Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

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Course: Dessert
Kitchen: American, holiday
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients
 

  • For the Gingerbread Bars:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting optional:
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk to reach desired consistency

Instructions

  • Prepare the Gingerbread Bars:
  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Spread in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool: Allow the gingerbread bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  • Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
  • Mix Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • Frost the Bars: Once the gingerbread bars are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  • Serve: Slice the bars into squares and enjoy!