Are you looking for a delightful holiday treat that's both easy to make and full of festive flavors? Look no further! This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe brings together the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves into a soft, chewy cookie bar that's perfect for sharing. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering or just indulging in some seasonal flavors, these gingerbread cookie bars are sure to become a new favorite. Follow this step-by-step guide, and by the end, you'll have a batch of sweet, spiced bars that will make your kitchen smell like the holidays. So, let’s get started!

What Are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a simple and convenient twist on classic gingerbread cookies. Instead of rolling and cutting out individual cookies, the dough is pressed into a baking pan and baked as one large sheet. After baking, the gingerbread is cut into bar shapes, making the process quicker and easier while still delivering the same rich, spiced flavor. The result? Moist, chewy bars with the traditional gingerbread taste that everyone loves, perfect for serving at parties, packing in lunch boxes, or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To make these delicious gingerbread cookie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup of molasses
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Vanilla icing for drizzling
- Festive holiday sprinkles (optional)
These ingredients will give your gingerbread cookie bars the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The combination of molasses and brown sugar gives the bars their signature rich flavor, while the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves deliver that warm, familiar gingerbread taste.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Butter Substitutes: You can swap the unsalted butter for vegan butter or margarine if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil can also work, but it will add a slight coconut flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it's a blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain the chewy texture of the cookie bars.
- Sweeteners: You can use coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of the granulated and brown sugar for a refined sugar-free version. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the taste and texture, making the bars less sweet.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking. You can add more ginger for an extra kick, or even introduce nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Toppings and Mix-ins: For added texture, try mixing in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or toss in some raisins or dried cranberries. You can also top the bars with white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks before baking for an indulgent treat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the best gingerbread cookie bars:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the cookie bars from sticking and make it easier to remove them after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving your bars a uniform flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving your cookie bars a soft and tender texture.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Molasses is key to achieving that classic gingerbread flavor, and it also adds moisture to the bars.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
Step 6: Spread the Batter in the Pan
Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly into your prepared 9x13-inch baking pan. The batter will be thick, so take your time to ensure it’s spread out smoothly and evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry cookie bars. You want them to be soft and chewy!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. Once cooled, they will firm up and be easier to cut.
How to Cook Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the wet ingredients: Egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Spread the batter evenly in your baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and cut before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookie bars towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking will dry out the bars, and they won't have that desirable chewy texture.
- Not Measuring Spices Properly: The balance of spices is key to getting the perfect gingerbread flavor. Be sure to measure them carefully to avoid overpowering the bars with any one spice.
- Overmixing the Dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. Too much mixing can result in tough, dense bars rather than soft and chewy ones.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting into the bars too soon can cause them to fall apart. Letting them cool completely ensures that they firm up and are easier to cut into neat squares.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These gingerbread cookie bars are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them on their own for a simple treat, or pair them with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy holiday snack. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
For an extra festive presentation, dust the tops of the cookie bars with powdered sugar or drizzle them with vanilla icing. You can also sprinkle them with holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter to give them a cheerful holiday look. Arrange the bars on a decorative platter for parties or wrap them in festive cellophane bags for a holiday gift.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough for Thicker Bars: If you prefer a thicker, cakier bar, chill the dough for 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan. This helps prevent the bars from spreading too much during baking.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra sweet touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract over the cooled bars.
- Double the Recipe: If you're baking for a crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just use a larger pan, such as a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan, and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these gingerbread cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for several days.
2. Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars?
Absolutely. Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I add frosting to these bars?
Yes, a cream cheese frosting or simple vanilla glaze would pair wonderfully with these gingerbread bars.
4. Can I make these cookie bars without molasses?
Molasses is essential for achieving the classic gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute dark corn syrup or a combination of honey and maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different.
5. What can I use if I don't have a 9x13-inch pan?
You can use an 8x8-inch square pan for thicker bars; just increase the baking time by about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can use two smaller pans.
Conclusion
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for the holiday season. They’re easy to make, full of warm spices, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a gift, or just to enjoy at home, these bars are sure to bring some festive cheer to your kitchen. Follow the tips and tricks in this guide to avoid common mistakes and present your gingerbread cookie bars beautifully. Try this recipe today, and let the holiday baking begin!
PrintGingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a festive treat, filled with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This easy-to-make recipe creates soft, chewy bars that are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy snack. Enjoy the classic gingerbread flavor with a twist in bar form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can top these bars with cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To make the bars chewier, slightly underbake them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
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