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Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Featured in Sweet treats that make you happy.

These gingerbread bars are loaded with the heartwarming flavors of molasses, fresh ginger, and cinnamon for the perfect cozy treat. They’re irresistibly soft, with creamy frosting adding a sweet tang while a sprinkle of crystallized ginger brightens every bite. A true holiday favorite!
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sun, 08 Jun 2025 12:21:21 GMT
Chewy Gingerbread Bars Pin it
Chewy Gingerbread Bars | tastyhush.com

Get into a cozy mood with these pillowy gingerbread bars. They're layered with a smooth cream cheese topping that amps things up for any holiday hangout. All the holiday spice, super simple to toss together, and perfect for sharing.

INGREDIENTS

  • Cream Cheese Frosting Mix:
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temp
  • Gingerbread Bar Base:
    • 2 tablespoons molasses (unsulphured type)
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
    • 3/4 cup white sugar
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, nice and soft
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 1/4 cups regular all-purpose flour

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 8:
Once they're frosted up, go wild and decorate however you want.
Step 7:
Mix the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in a bowl until it's nice and creamy. Add in the powdered sugar bit by bit until it looks spreadable and smooth.
Step 6:
Leave the bars alone in the pan until they're totally cool.
Step 5:
Press the dough evenly into your lined pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes if you're using an 8x8, or 20 to 22 minutes for 9x13 pans.
Step 4:
Dump the dry stuff into the wet stuff and mix but don't keep at it too long. Just until you don't see dry flour anymore.
Step 3:
Beat the butter and both sugars for about 3 or 4 minutes until it's fluffy. Toss in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and molasses.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, all the spices, and salt.
Step 1:
Fire up your oven at 350°F (180°C). Line your 8x8 or 9x13 pan with parchment so nothing sticks.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Chill in the fridge if you want firmer bars.
  • Pop them in an airtight box and they'll keep on your counter for about 5 days.
  • Let them warm up to room temperature before you dig in for the best bite.
  • Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months if you're saving them for later.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Don't pull ingredients straight from the fridge. Warmer cream cheese and butter mean smoother frosting.
  • Parchment paper in the pan = bars pop right out, no mess.
  • If you keep mixing your dough, you'll end up with tough bars. Stop once everything's just combined for soft, chewy squares.

VARIATIONS

  • Add food color to the frosting for bright, festive vibes.
  • Slice the cooled bars with cookie cutters if you're feeling creative.
  • Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a quick glaze and keep it simple.
  • Top with holiday sprinkles or whatever decorations make you happy.

Chewy Gingerbread Bars

Savor the warm blend of spices in these soft gingerbread bars, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting for a velvety finish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
23 Minutes
Total Time
43 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 large egg.
02 ¾ cup butter (unsalted) at room temperature.
03 ½ cup packed light brown sugar.
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
05 1 cup white sugar.
06 ¼ cup molasses.
07 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour.
08 1 teaspoon ginger powder.
09 ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
10 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
11 2 teaspoons baking soda.
12 ¼ teaspoon salt.
13 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened.
14 3 cups powdered sugar.
15 8 ounces softened cream cheese.
16 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor.
17 Optional: sprinkles or fun decorating toppings.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13-inch pan, either grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter in a big mixing bowl. Beat together until smooth, then add in the molasses and egg. Stir in the vanilla until everything blends well.

Step 03

In another bowl, stir together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.

Step 04

Mix the wet and dry ingredients together gently until just combined. The dough will feel thick. Spread the batter out evenly in your prepared pan.

Step 05

Bake for about 22-23 minutes. Check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, you're good! Let the cookie base cool in the dish completely.

Step 06

In a mixer or a big bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy and smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar while beating, then stir in the vanilla.

Step 07

Spread the frosting on the cooled cookie layer. Add sprinkles or favorite toppings if you want. Slice into bars—cut into 24 squares, or make smaller ones by halving the squares.

Notes

  1. To make mixing easier, bring the butter and cream cheese to room temp before starting.
  2. Using parchment paper in your baking dish makes cleanup quick and easy.
  3. Wait for the gingerbread base to be fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch pan.
  • Parchment paper sheet.
  • Big mixing bowl.
  • Mixer or beater.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~