Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
For the Gingerbread Bars:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon spiced rum optional
For the Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon heavy cream more if needed
Sprinkles or cinnamon sugar optional, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350F 175C. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, vanilla extract, and spiced rum if using. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Bars: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, but the center can be soft. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Frosting: While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, adding more cream if needed for spreadability.
Frost and Garnish: Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with festive sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Cut and Serve: Slice the gingerbread cookie bars into squares and enjoy! These rich, spiced bars are perfect for holiday parties or as a cozy winter treat.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 15 minutes Baking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal per bar Servings: 16 bars