Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These soft and chewy gingerbread bars topped with rich cream cheese frosting are the ultimate holiday dessert—easy to make and perfect for festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Holiday
- Method: Bake, Frost
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Gingerbread Bars:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
3 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp salt
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup melted butter
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2½ cups powdered sugar
Optional: Christmas sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Add egg, molasses, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Combine and Bake:
Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture until fully combined. Transfer batter to the greased baking dish and spread evenly using a rubber spatula (wetting it helps with stickiness).
Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting.
Make Frosting:
Beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
Frost and Decorate:
Once the bars are cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting. Add sprinkles if desired. Slice into 24 bars, wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
Spreading Tip: Wet your spatula to help spread the sticky batter evenly.
Cool Before Frosting: Always cool bars completely or the frosting will melt.
Frosting Options: Store-bought cream cheese frosting can be used in a pinch.
Storage: Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Tip: Great addition to Christmas cookie platters or dessert tables.
