Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
If you are craving a sweet treat that brings the cozy flavors of the holidays right into your kitchen, look no further than this Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars deliver all the nostalgic warmth of gingerbread with a delightfully chewy texture that’s perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Packed with fragrant spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, plus the rich depth of molasses, these cookie bars strike the perfect balance between spicy and sweet. Whether you bake them for a festive gathering or an everyday indulgence, they are irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing your Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, giving the bars their tender chewiness, warm spice, and lovely color that invites you to take that first bite.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and softness without heaviness.
- Ground ginger: The star spice that brings that unmistakable sharp, aromatic bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds sweetness and depth to balance the ginger’s punch.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way in layering warm, woody flavor.
- Nutmeg: Enhances the spice blend with subtle floral notes.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for the perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: A pinch to bring out all the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates richness and tenderness throughout.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of crispness and sweetness.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Molasses: Provides that dark, robust flavor and chewy bite classic to gingerbread.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm spices with sweet floral undertones.
How to Make Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This simple step ensures your bars don’t stick and come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Combining these spices with the flour now lets their flavors blend evenly, setting the stage for that classic gingerbread taste.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This process isn’t just about mixing; it introduces air that makes your bars tender and chewy.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Stir in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. Molasses is what gives these bars their signature deep flavor and moist texture, so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Mixing just until combined keeps the bars from becoming tough and preserves that chewy texture we all love.
Step 6: Spread and Smooth the Dough
Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Take a moment to smooth the top with a spatula or your hands for neat, uniform bars after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for edges that are set and a toothpick inserted near the center that comes out mostly clean. This ensures a perfect chew without being underdone or dry.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. Cooling lets them firm up just enough to slice cleanly while maintaining that delicious chewiness.
How to Serve Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Add a festive touch by dusting your gingerbread bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple vanilla glaze. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or crystallized ginger on top can add interesting texture and an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
The warm, spicy notes of these bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also complement a creamy chai latte perfectly in colder months.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board with seasonal fruit like sliced oranges or a handful of cranberries for a vibrant, holiday-ready dessert spread. These bars also make fantastic portable treats when wrapped individually in parchment for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten gingerbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps retain their chewy texture and keeps the flavors fresh.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their wonderful flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen bars, thaw at room temperature then warm slightly in a microwave or oven for a freshly baked feel. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them beautifully and revives that classic chew.
FAQs
Can I make these gingerbread bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend made for baking, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the chewy texture.
How can I make the bars more moist?
If you prefer extra moist bars, try adding a tablespoon of applesauce along with the wet ingredients. It adds moisture without compromising the classic gingerbread flavor.
Can I use dark molasses instead of regular molasses?
Absolutely! Dark molasses will give your bars a richer, more intense flavor, which some gingerbread lovers prefer. Just be mindful it can slightly darken the batter and intensify the sweetness.
What is the best way to cut the bars evenly?
Use a sharp knife and cut the bars once they are completely cool. For perfectly even pieces, score the surface lightly before cutting all the way through.
Are these bars suitable for holiday gifting?
Definitely! Wrapped nicely in parchment paper and tied with a festive ribbon, Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way these Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and offers that perfect blend of spicy warmth and soft chewiness. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or a simple treat on a chilly afternoon, these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself baking them again and again!
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Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars combine the warm, spicy flavors of classic gingerbread with a soft and chewy texture, perfect for holiday treats or anytime you crave a comforting sweet snack. With a blend of aromatic spices and rich molasses, these bars are easy to make and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps give the bars a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat the large egg, molasses, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Components: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Evenly spread and smooth the dough into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it reaches the corners for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing into 16 equal bars for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute dark molasses for a deeper flavor.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and less mess.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For added texture, consider folding in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
