All the flavor of classic gingerbread cookies in a chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bar generously topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting.
I’ve had “make gingerbread cookies” on my holiday baking list for several years now and I never seem to get around to it.
Most of the time, just thinking about rolling out cookies is enough to make me get out a bar pan and throw together a batch of brownies instead. Does that make me lazy? or just impatient?
Well, I’m happy to tell you that these cookie bars trump every gingerbread cookie I’ve ever tasted in the past. So, not only do they win points for being so very easy, they win for being truly fantastic as well.
And while these bars are absolutely delicious topped with the cream cheese frosting, they’re also terrific without the frosting.
These bars are one of the greatest holiday baking ideas ever. (Thanks to 12 Days of Christmas with Six Sisters’ Stuff for the inspiration!)
I officially (and likely forever) crossed “make gingerbread cookies” off my list six years ago, when I tasted these bars.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
- TO MAKE THE COOKIE BARS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 pan or line with parchment paper. Combine the butter, sugar, molasses, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat with a mixer on medium speed until creamy.
- Add the egg and stir again. Add the flours, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan, using either a spatula or your hands to smooth it to the edges of the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean, with wet crumbs. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- TO MAKE THE FROSTING: When the bars have completely cooled, beat together the butter and cream cheese for the frosting. Add the powdered sugar and beat again until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract or vanilla bean and stir to mix throughout the frosting. Frost the bars, slice, and serve. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 vanilla bean scraped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 pan or line with parchment paper. Combine the butter, sugar, molasses, and vanilla in a mixing bowl and beat with a mixer on medium speed until creamy. Add the egg and stir again. Add the flours, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan, using either a spatula or your hands to smooth it to the edges of the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean, with wet crumbs. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- When cooled, beat together the butter and cream cheese for the frosting. Add the powdered sugar and beat again until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract or vanilla bean and stir to mix throughout the frosting. Frost the bars, slice and serve. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
{originally published 10/2/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 12/11/20}
Anonymous says
My family loves to have Sausage Breakfast Strata on Christmas morning
Kristen says
Sorry, Mary- I clicked on the giveaway box before I commented:( My favorite holiday food is my grandmother's Christmas Eve dinner. It's just typical mid-western food, but something about her style makes it home.
Anonymous says
Love the idea of gingerbread in a bar instead of cutting cookies! Saved the recipe to try soon!
It's hard to pick just one holiday favorite food but I will go with the Standing Rib Roast. Being it's a pricey meat but one we really love, we have made it our family tradition to roast one each year on Christmas day. Have a good day! Misha [email protected]
Magnolia Verandah says
Gingerbread just spells Christmas! And that frosting looks like snow. Would just love that 6 sisters book.
Denise Falicki says
My fav holiday food is Cranberry sauce! Dee Fedor Falicki
Josie Fertig says
Hmmm. Favorite holiday food is a tough one. So many to choose from, but I'm gonna go with the ever traditional gingerbread. Love it!
Lori Mercer says
My favourite holiday food is shortbread cookies. I look forward every year to making them with my daughter and niece. Trying to do something different each year is also fun.
Jennifer Doades says
I would have to say green bean casserole is my favorite holiday food. It is a must have at our house at any holiday.
Whitney L says
I love love love my mom's cheese ball every year! It used to be eaten with ritz crackers until my husband & I were diagnosed so now I enjoy it with gluten free crackers instead!
Tracey says
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls!
kimberly torpey says
…gotta be the turkey…and the pies…
Angela Armour says
1234 bars ..I make them every holiday season ..shortbread crust and fruit pie filling ..I use cherry or blueberry then a strusel top..
Anonymous says
My wonderful mom cooks a lot of southern dishes buttermilk biscuits, pot of greens,field peas and okra and giblet gravy. I love molasses cookies and English [email protected]
Marsha H says
Cookies!!!
mountain mama says
Here's a second comment in case my first didn't go thru…
green bean casserole and my grandma's crandberry jello!!
thanks and God bless~
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I would have to say that cornbread dressing is calling my name right now. I just realized Thanksgiving is next month! Where did the summer go. These are gorgeous Mary!
Anonymous says
My favorite holiday food is turkey on thanksgiving or the next day in a sandwich. I look forward to it every year 🙂
Sandy H says
Real mashed potatoes and stuffing that are made like grandma did and not out of the box
Jamie says
Chewy gingersnaps are my fave but this recipe looks amazing and I think it will be made soon!
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
I'm torn between shortbread and nanaimo bars…but gingerbread is a must every year too, and these bars look way easier than rolling and cutting dough, I'll definitely be making them 🙂