If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season, look no further than these BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Soft, chewy, and packed with the warm spices we all love, these bars are the perfect treat for gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a delightful gift for friends and family. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of gingerbread baking away, making your home feel like a winter wonderland.
Why It’s My Go-To
These BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars are my go-to recipe every holiday season for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Second, they strike the perfect balance between spiciness and sweetness, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience. Finally, they’re versatile! Whether you choose to top them with white chocolate or your favorite candy, they can easily be dressed up or down to suit any occasion.
Ingredients at a Glance
To whip up these delectable bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups (492g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (237ml) unsulfured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (170g) white chocolate chips (plus 1 teaspoon Crisco or vegetable oil to aid in melting) or 24 fun size Twix or your favorite candy.
Essential Tools for Success
Before diving into the baking process, gather these essential tools to ensure your gingerbread cookie bars come out perfectly:
- Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for mixing wet ingredients and a smaller one for dry.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
- Spatula: For folding in ingredients and spreading the batter evenly in the baking dish.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for these bars.
- Oven Mitts: Safety first! Protect your hands when taking the bars out of the oven.
BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars — Do This Next
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to make the BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Follow these simple steps for a delicious outcome:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice until well combined. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Molasses and Egg
Mix in the unsulfured molasses and the large egg until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Fold in White Chocolate Chips or Candy
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips or your choice of candy. This adds a delightful twist to the classic gingerbread flavor.
Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Make It Year-Round
These BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars are not just for the holiday season! Here are some ways to enjoy them year-round:
- Change the spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
- Add seasonal toppings: Use fresh fruit or seasonal candies to switch things up.
- Make them gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for everyone to enjoy.
- Serve as a dessert: Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert any time of year.
Troubles You Can Avoid
Making cookies can sometimes lead to mishaps, but here are some common issues you can avoid:
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
- Not measuring ingredients properly can affect the texture. Use the spoon and level method for flour.
- Overbaking can dry out your bars. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
- Letting the bars cool completely before cutting ensures cleaner slices.
Shelf Life & Storage
To keep your BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars fresh for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar will add a richer flavor and moisture to your bars, enhancing the gingerbread taste.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter and the egg with a flax egg or applesauce to make these bars vegan-friendly.
What can I use instead of white chocolate chips?
You can use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts for a different twist on these bars.
Can I add frosting to these bars?
Yes! A simple cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate would elevate these bars to a whole new level.
Keep Cooking
If you loved these BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars, you might also enjoy:
Final Thoughts
Baking the BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars is not only an enjoyable experience but also a way to bring warmth and joy to your home. With their delightful spices and sweet flavors, these bars are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or sharing them with friends, these bars will surely spread holiday cheer all year long. Happy baking!
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BEST Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and allspice until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the molasses and egg until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips or your choice of candy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Experiment with different spices for unique flavors.
