Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the warm, nostalgic scent of holiday spices, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are like a hug in dessert form — soft in the center, with just the right kiss of crispiness on the edges, and packed with that perfect mix of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to whenever you want something quick, comforting, and utterly delicious.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe combines classic favorite ingredients that marry beautifully to create depth and warmth. Each element plays a role, from moistening to flavoring. When shopping, make sure to get fresh ground spices for the best aroma and taste—it really makes a difference!

• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create that tender crumb in the bars.
• Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combo gives sweetness plus a slight chewiness with the brown sugar’s molasses content.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors and rounds out the spices naturally.
• Molasses: This is the secret ingredient for that authentic gingerbread flavor and moist texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure, keeping the bars together without being cakey.
• Baking Soda: Provides the lift needed so the bars aren’t too dense.
• Flour: The base of the dough; plain all-purpose works perfectly.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Allspice, Nutmeg): These create that signature gingerbread spice blend that’s cozy and inviting.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe just as is, but I also enjoy switching it up a bit—because sometimes, little tweaks make big impressions. Feel free to experiment with your own touches; personalize the bars to suit your mood or the occasion!

• Variation: One time, I added a handful of chopped pecans to the batter for a delightful nutty crunch that balanced the spices beautifully.
• Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil instead of butter—you’ll still get that moist texture but with a subtle tropical hint.
• Frosting Options: While plain bars are delicious alone, layering on a cream cheese frosting amps up the festive vibe and richness.
• Seasonal Spice Swaps: Swap nutmeg with cardamom for a slightly more exotic edge—perfect for impressing guests at holiday parties.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I find using an oven thermometer helpful since not all ovens bake evenly or at the exact temperature they display. Then, grab a 9″×13″ baking pan and spray it with a good non-stick cooking spray—this helps the bars come out cleanly when you cut them.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients Until Silky

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and molasses. Beat these together for about 1 to 2 minutes until you see a creamy, smooth texture. Heads up—the batter will be thick, so if you have a stand mixer, definitely use it here—it makes a difference and saves your arm!

Step 3: Add the Egg and Dry Ingredients

Crack in the egg and mix until it’s fully incorporated. Then, sprinkle in the baking soda, flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently but thoroughly until the dough comes together—think thick, cookie-dough consistency. If it feels too dry, a touch of milk or another splash of molasses can help, but usually, it’s perfect as is.

Step 4: Spread and Bake to Perfection

Use a silicone spatula or just your clean fingers (I don’t judge!) to press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should crisp up nicely while the middle stays a little gooey. Remember, ovens vary, so test by gently pressing the center; it should feel set but soft.

Step 5: Cooling and Optional Frosting

Once you pull the bars out, let them cool completely before you slice. This step is crucial because warm bars can fall apart when cutting. If you want to go the extra mile, spread cream cheese or vanilla frosting on top and decorate with some festive sprinkles—it really elevates these bars into a party-worthy treat.

How to Serve Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few red and green Christmas sprinkles or edible glitter on top when frosting the bars—such a festive touch! Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right hint of sweetness and visual appeal, especially if you’re going for a more rustic look.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea, chai latte, or even a rich, creamy coffee. I love serving them alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but indulgent dessert combo that everyone asks for.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like arranging these bars on a rustic wooden board layered with fresh pine sprigs and cinnamon sticks—so charming and aromatic. Wrapping individual squares in small parchment paper packets tied with twine also makes a lovely homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and tasty for about 4-5 days. Sometimes I add a slice of bread to the container, which helps keep the bars moist—tricky little kitchen hack I swear by!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these bars (and trust me, they freeze beautifully), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When I do this, I usually freeze before frosting, which helps preserve texture. They keep well up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a bar (or two) in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. If you love them with frosting, add it after reheating. Alternatively, a quick 5-7 minute bake at 300°F helps crisp the edges back up without drying the center.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe is one of those treats I keep coming back to, year after year, because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) them as much as I do. It’s simple enough for a weekday sweet fix but special enough for holiday gatherings. Honestly, once you try these bars, you might end up making them your own little tradition—just like I did!

Print