Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

If you are looking for a festive treat that combines the warmth of ginger with the convenience of a bar cookie, then these Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfect for you. They deliver all the cozy flavors associated with traditional gingerbread but come together in a simpler form that’s sure to please everyone at your gathering. With their rich spices and sweet glaze, these bars are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. You can whip them up in just about 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy holiday baking sessions or spontaneous get-togethers. Plus, they store well so you can enjoy them over several days or share them with friends and family. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, these Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
• Great for Sharing: Cut into squares and serve on a platter for easy sharing at parties or potlucks

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Ingredients for Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; ensure it’s sifted to avoid clumps.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise; make sure it is fresh for optimal results.
• Ground Ginger: The star spice in this recipe; use high-quality ground ginger for the best flavor.
• Cinnamon Powder: Adds warmth and depth; cinnamon complements the ginger beautifully.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep caramel flavor; light brown sugar works well.
• Molasses: Essential for that classic gingerbread taste; choose unsulfured molasses for best results.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness; ensure it’s softened but not melted before mixing.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together; use large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
• Powdered Sugar (for icing): Used for drizzling on top; sift it before using to avoid lumps.
• Milk (for icing): Adjusts icing consistency; add gradually until desired thickness is reached.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in molasses and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. Then add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually stir in the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula and bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let cool completely before adding icing.

To serve these Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars perfectly, drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with milk before slicing into squares.

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Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Cool Completely Before Icing: Let your cookie bars cool entirely before applying icing to prevent it from melting.
• Add Extra Spices: Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg or cloves if you want more depth of flavor.
• Create Festive Shapes: Use cookie cutters on cooled bars if you prefer festive shapes instead of squares.
• If Storing: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

This Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: The tangy sweetness complements the spices in the cookie bars perfectly.
• Hot Cocoa: A warm cup enhances the cozy feel of gingerbread, making for a delightful pairing.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it balances the dense texture of the cookie bars beautifully.

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Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This will enhance the flavors of the spices.
• Storing: Store any leftover Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to three months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the cookie bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 10-15 second intervals until warm. Alternatively, you can warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes.

Suggestions for Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Avoid Overmixing the Dough

One common mistake when making Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars is overmixing the dough. When you blend the ingredients too much, it can lead to tough and dense bars instead of soft and chewy ones. To achieve the perfect texture, mix just until the ingredients are combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If you notice that your dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk to help bring it together. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in the final product, ensuring your gingerbread cookie bars remain light and delightful.

Use Fresh Spices

Using outdated spices can ruin the flavor of your Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg lose potency over time; therefore, it’s essential to use fresh spices for optimal taste. Check the expiration dates on your spices and replace any that are older than six months. Freshly ground spices are even better, offering a bolder flavor profile that elevates your cookie bars. Keep in mind that quality ingredients lead to delicious results, so don’t hesitate to invest in fresh spices for this recipe.

Don’t Skip the Chilling Time

Chilling your dough is crucial for achieving well-formed Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Skipping this step may result in cookies that spread too much during baking, leading to uneven shapes and textures. After preparing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the butter to solidify again, which helps maintain the structure as they bake. While it might seem like an unnecessary step at first, proper chilling will yield beautifully shaped cookie bars with a perfect bite.

Measure Ingredients Accurately

Accurate measurement of ingredients is vital when making Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Baking is a science; thus, any discrepancies in ingredient quantities can lead to undesirable outcomes. Use measuring cups and spoons designed specifically for dry and wet ingredients to ensure precision. For dry ingredients like flour or sugar, spoon them into measuring cups without packing them down and level off with a knife for accuracy. Liquid ingredients should be measured using transparent liquid measuring cups at eye level. Proper measurements guarantee consistent results every time you bake.

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FAQs

What are Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies but made in a bar form. They offer all the warm spices and flavors of classic gingerbread but require less effort than cutting out individual cookie shapes. These bars typically consist of flour, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and other spices combined into a single batch that’s baked in a rectangular pan. Once cooled, they are cut into squares or rectangles for easy serving—perfect for gatherings or holiday celebrations.

How long do Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars last?

When stored properly, Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars can last up to one week at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them; they will stay fresh for about two weeks when kept cold. You can also freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or placing them in freezer-safe bags. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying again; this way, you’ll always have delicious treats on hand!

Can I customize my Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars is their versatility; you can easily customize them according to your taste preferences. Consider adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch or mix-ins like chocolate chips for a sweet twist on traditional flavors. You could also experiment with different frosting options—cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with ginger flavors! Don’t hesitate to get creative; these bars are perfect for experimenting while maintaining their delicious base flavor.

What should I serve with Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars pair beautifully with various accompaniments! A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to their spiced richness—perfect for dessert lovers looking for something special. Drizzling caramel sauce over warm bars creates an indulgent treat ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Additionally, serving them alongside hot beverages like chai tea or spiced coffee enhances their festive charm while providing comfort during chilly seasons.

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Conclusion for Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

In conclusion, making Easy Gingerbread Cookie Bars is straightforward if you follow essential tips such as avoiding overmixing and using fresh spices. Remember to chill your dough adequately and measure ingredients accurately for consistent results every time you bake these treats. With their delightful warmth and spice-filled flavors, these cookie bars make an excellent addition to any festive occasion or casual gathering alike! Whether enjoyed plain or dressed with frosting and toppings, they are sure to impress family and friends alike—so gather your ingredients today and indulge in this delicious recipe!