Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These frosted gingerbread bars are a holiday baking dream come true. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Taste: Experience a symphony of flavors! A soft, chewy gingerbread base infused with cinnamon, a hint of molasses, and the warmth of ginger, all perfectly complemented by a creamy, dreamy eggnog frosting. It’s a harmonious blend of holiday spices and sweetness.
• Ease: This recipe is designed for simplicity. Just mix the butter and sugar, add the wet and dry ingredients, spread it into a pan, and bake! The frosting is equally easy to whip together. It’s undoubtedly easier than scooping out 24 individual cookies. Ideal for beginner bakers!
• Time: Time is precious, especially during the holidays. This recipe respects that. It takes less than 10 minutes to prepare the dough, and only 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Gingerbread Bars

The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor and texture of your gingerbread bars. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

• Salted Butter: While unsalted butter is commonly used in baking, I prefer salted butter for its enhanced flavor. The touch of salt complements the sweetness and adds depth to the overall taste. You can use unsalted if you prefer, but consider adding a pinch more salt to the dry ingredients.
• Molasses: Molasses is the defining flavor in gingerbread. For this recipe, use regular unsulphured molasses. Blackstrap molasses, while having a robust flavor, is often too strong for this dessert unless you are a dedicated molasses aficionado. The unsulphured variety provides a balanced sweetness with that characteristic molasses tang.
• Spices: The spice blend is what truly transforms these bars into a holiday treat. I’ve kept it simple with cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Cinnamon provides warmth, ginger gives a spicy kick, and allspice adds a complex, aromatic note. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your preference.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions & Variations to Customize Your Bars

Want to put your own twist on these gingerbread bars? Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Spice it Up: For a simplified approach, substitute an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice in place of the individual spices (cinnamon, ginger, and allspice). This pre-mixed blend offers a similar warm and festive flavor profile.
• Festive Sprinkles: Add a touch of holiday cheer with your favorite sprinkles! Whether it’s classic red and green, shimmering gold, or a mix of festive shapes, sprinkles are a fun and easy way to personalize your gingerbread bars.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delicious textural contrast and a nutty flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright and zesty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Gingerbread Bars

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect batch of frosted gingerbread bars:

1. Step 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar for about 3 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb.

2. Step 2. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix well for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

3. Step 3. Add in the cinnamon, ginger, allspice or cloves and molasses and mix well until completely incorporated. The batter should be a rich, dark brown color.

4. Step 4. Gradually add in the flour and baking soda and mix for about 1 minute until all the flour pockets are gone and a very soft, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.

5. Step 5. Press the dough evenly into a 9×13 inch baking pan that has been prepared with baking spray or parchment paper. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the center is set and beginning to crack slightly.

6. Step 6. While the bars are cooling, make the frosting! In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. An electric mixer makes this process easier. Add in the eggnog a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

8. Step 8. Once the bars are completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with your favorite holiday sprinkles for a festive touch!

Important: Ensure the cookie bars are completely cooled before attempting to frost them, or the frosting will melt! To speed up the cooling process, let them cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator or freezer for another 10-15 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Gingerbread Bar Issues

Encountering issues with your gingerbread bars? Here’s how to address them:

• My bars are doughy: Ensure your oven has reached the correct temperature by using an oven thermometer! Also, remember that these bars are meant to be soft and slightly underbaked, not crunchy. Overbaking will result in dry bars.
• My frosting is too thin: Gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• My frosting is too thick: Add a teaspoon of milk or eggnog until you reach desired consistency.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions

Planning ahead? Here’s how to store and freeze your gingerbread bars:

Room Temperature: Store the frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the frosting might get sticky at room temperature, so keep in the refrigerator if this is a concern.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw them completely and then frost. You can also freeze the frosting separately in an airtight container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze frosted gingerbread bars and what happens to the frosting?

I recommend freezing these unfrosted and then frosting them once they’ve thawed. Freezing the frosting can alter its texture and make it less appealing.

How do I cut frosted bars without dragging frosting?

Refrigerate the frosted bars for 10-15 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly. Then, use a thick, dry knife and wipe the blade clean between each cut.

How do I make gingerbread bars that are soft (not cakey)?

Use less eggs, slightly less flour, more butter, brown sugar, and molasses. Also, be careful to avoid overbaking them, as this can cause them to become dry and crunchy.

More Christmas Treats to Delight In

Looking for more festive treats to bake this holiday season? Here are a few suggestions:

Printable Recipe: Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Author: Author : Sara Smith | Eat Dessert Snack

Make classic frosted gingerbread bars with molasses, cozy spices, and sweet frosting. A simple holiday dessert everyone loves!

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