Irresistibly Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat

Step into the holiday spirit with these incredibly festive gingerbread cookie bars! Forget the hassle of traditional cookie cut-outs and multiple baking sheets; these bars offer all the warmth and spice of gingerbread in an easy-to-make, single-pan delight. Personally, I find some gingerbread recipes overpoweringly strong with molasses, so I’ve perfected these bars to strike a beautiful balance. You’ll definitely taste the rich molasses, but it harmonizes perfectly with a symphony of other comforting winter spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting, these soft, chewy gingerbread squares are truly a holiday revelation—they might just be my finest gingerbread recipe yet!

As the holiday season draws near, my craving for gingerbread knows no bounds. I love incorporating it into every part of my day, whether it’s for a cozy morning meal of Gingerbread Waffles alongside a drizzle of homemade Gingerbread Syrup, or a wholesome bowl of Gingerbread Granola with yogurt. And of course, I adore classic gingerbread desserts, from delightful Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies to soft and chewy eggless Gingerbread Cookies. For a truly show-stopping dessert centerpiece, my elegant Gingerbread Bundt Cake is always a triumphant hit. If you share my passion for all things gingerbread, I’m confident you’ll adore every one of these recipes, especially these divine gingerbread bars crowned with their perfect cream cheese frosting!

Why These Gingerbread Cookie Bars Are a Must-Make

• Effortlessly Easy Gingerbread Recipe: How do you take a classic, beloved recipe and make it even simpler for your busy holiday schedule? You bake it in bar form! Say goodbye to the time-consuming process of rolling out gingerbread cookie dough, meticulously cutting individual shapes, and rotating multiple batches in and out of the oven. These incredible gingerbread cookie bars are a true “one-pan wonder,” baking uniformly in a single 9×13 inch pan. This streamlined approach means more enjoyment and less fuss, perfect for festive baking!
• The Best Gingerbread Cookie Bars You’ll Ever Taste: Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience. The texture of these bars is perfectly soft and wonderfully chewy, while the flavor profile is rich with a perfectly balanced blend of spices. They are utterly delicious on their own, but when generously topped with our creamy, tangy, and sweet cream cheese frosting, they reach an entirely new level of decadence. This combination is truly next-level, and we are confident you are going to fall in love with every bite!
• Perfect for Holiday Entertaining and Gifting: Baked in a standard 9×13 inch pan, this gingerbread bar recipe yields a generous quantity, making it an ideal choice for any holiday occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, attending a potluck, or looking for a delightful homemade gift for friends and family, these bars are perfectly sized for sharing. They travel beautifully and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, spreading holiday cheer with every delicious square.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Gingerbread Bars

Crafting these delectable gingerbread cookie bars requires a selection of quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving their signature flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what makes them so special:

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of any exceptional baked good, butter infuses these bars with a rich, comforting flavor. To keep this recipe as fuss-free as possible, we use melted butter, eliminating the need to remember to soften it beforehand. This saves you time and ensures a smooth, easy-to-mix batter.
• Sugars (Brown and Granulated): A thoughtful blend of light brown sugar and granulated sugar is essential for achieving the ideal chewy texture that makes these gingerbread bars so appealing. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, enhancing the deep flavor of the molasses, while granulated sugar contributes to the overall sweetness and structure.
• Molasses: Molasses is undeniably one of the cornerstone components that provide authentic gingerbread flavor. However, I’ve carefully calibrated this recipe to ensure the molasses flavor is present and prominent without being overwhelmingly dominant. This allows the other warm spices to shine through, creating a more complex and harmonious taste. For best results, use unsulphured or dark molasses, avoiding bitter blackstrap molasses.
• Warm Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice, Cloves, and Nutmeg): This aromatic quartet of holiday spices is the heart and soul of our chewy gingerbread cookie bars. Ground cinnamon brings a sweet and woody warmth, ginger provides its characteristic zesty heat, allspice adds a complex blend reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, while ground cloves offer a pungent, sweet, and peppery note. Finally, a touch of nutmeg rounds out the profile with its slightly sweet and spicy aroma. Together, they create a truly perfectly spiced gingerbread experience in every single bite!
• Cream Cheese: For the ultimate topping, my gingerbread cookie frosting of choice is none other than rich cream cheese. Its sweet, creamy, and subtly tangy profile offers a delightful contrast and wonderful complement to the deep, warm flavors of the gingerbread bars. This frosting isn’t just a topping; it’s an integral part of what makes this gingerbread bars recipe truly outstanding.

Baking Your Perfect Gingerbread Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these straightforward steps to create your own batch of delicious gingerbread cookie bars, topped with creamy, dreamy frosting:

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This thoughtful step will create “handles” that make it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of bars out of the pan once they’re baked and cooled, simplifying the slicing process.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ⅓ cup of rich molasses, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Using a whisk, vigorously mix these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth, well combined, and uniform in color. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: To the bowl of wet ingredients, carefully add 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of baking soda (for lift and chewiness), 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon each of ground allspice, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Using a rubber spatula or a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold everything together. Mix until just combined and no streaks of dry flour are visible in the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.

4. Press and Bake to Perfection: Transfer the gingerbread cookie dough into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Use your hands or the back of the spatula to gently press the dough into an even, uniform layer across the bottom of the pan. Bake for 23-25 minutes, or until the top appears set and slightly firm. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but no wet batter. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, before frosting. This cooling time is crucial for setting the bars.
5. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese for Frosting: While the bars are cooling, begin preparing your heavenly cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, combine 6 oz of softened cream cheese and 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk and some elbow grease), beat these two ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well incorporated, with no lumps remaining.
6. Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients: To the creamed mixture, add 2¼ cups of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Mix again until the frosting is perfectly smooth and creamy. If the frosting seems too thick for spreading, you can add milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until it reaches your desired soft and spreadable consistency.
7. Frost and Decorate Your Bars: Once the gingerbread cookie bars are completely cooled (this is critical to prevent the frosting from melting!), generously spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle with some colorful holiday sprinkles, chopped crystallized ginger, or a dusting of cinnamon. Now, slice the bars into squares or desired shapes, and enjoy your delightful homemade treat!

Expert Tips for Gingerbread Bar Success

Elevate your gingerbread cookie bars with these helpful tips and creative variations:

• Flavor Enhancements & Customizations: These gingerbread bars are delicious as is, but don’t hesitate to customize! For a delightful twist, fold in 2 cups of white chocolate chips into the batter before baking – the creamy sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spices. You can also jazz up the cream cheese frosting by browning the butter before mixing it in, which adds a nutty depth, or by adding a pinch of ground cinnamon for extra warmth. For a brighter, zesty flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting. A dash of orange extract or a tablespoon of finely grated orange zest could also infuse a lovely citrus note into the bars or frosting.
• Achieving the Perfect Chewy Texture: The key to moist and chewy gingerbread cookie bars is to avoid overbaking. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. The toothpick test (looking for moist crumbs, not wet batter) is your best friend here. Slightly underbaked is better than overbaked, as they will continue to set as they cool.
• Creative Topping Ideas: While festive holiday sprinkles are a fantastic way to add a celebratory touch, the possibilities for toppings are endless! For an extra boost of ginger flavor, sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the frosting. Other delicious options include delicate chocolate shavings, tart dried cranberries, crunchy candied pecans, or a decadent drizzle of caramel or white chocolate. Let your imagination run wild!
• Fun with Cookie Cutters: If you adore the classic shape of traditional gingerbread cookies, you can still enjoy them with this recipe! After the bars have fully cooled, instead of cutting them into simple squares, use your favorite cookie cutters (like gingerbread men, stars, or trees) to cut out individual shapes. The scraps are a delicious chef’s treat, perfect for snacking!
• Cooling is Crucial for Frosting: This tip cannot be stressed enough: ensure your gingerbread bars are completely cool before you even think about applying the cream cheese frosting. Attempting to frost warm bars will result in a melty, runny mess and a disappointing outcome. Patience is a virtue here!
• Molasses Substitutions and Variations: If you find yourself without molasses in a pinch, honey can serve as a decent substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly. For those who desire an even deeper molasses flavor in their bars, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. Remember that brown sugar is essentially granulated sugar with molasses added, so dark brown sugar contains more molasses, contributing to a richer, more robust gingerbread taste.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

These gingerbread cookie bars are perfect for preparing in advance, making holiday baking less stressful:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the unfrosted gingerbread bars and keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for 4-5 days. Simply frost them just before you plan to serve. Frosted bars also keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it, well-wrapped, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. For longer storage, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. For comprehensive tips on freezing dough, refer to my detailed guide on How to Freeze Cookie Dough.

Storing: Any leftover frosted gingerbread cookie bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture, where they will remain delicious for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration due to its dairy content.

Freezing: These versatile bars can be frozen both frosted and unfrosted for up to 2 months. To freeze frosted bars, first flash freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then individually wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap before transferring them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Defrost frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before serving. If you choose to add sprinkles to bars that you plan to freeze, be aware that they may soften slightly upon thawing, but the taste will still be fantastic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gingerbread Cookie Bars

More Holiday Recipes to Explore

• Cinnamon Roll Snowflake
• Peppermint Bark Brownies
• Christmas Crack
• Orange Cranberry Cake
• Peanut Butter Blossoms