Spiced Gingerbread Bars
These Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars bring a festive warmth to your dessert table, delivering a delicate balance of spice and sweetness with a soft, chewy texture. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses until the mixture is creamy and smooth, approximately 1 to 2 minutes; using a stand mixer is advised due to the thickness of the batter.
- Beat in the egg until fully integrated.
- Incorporate the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Continue mixing until a dense dough forms, resembling cookie dough in consistency.
- Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan using a silicone spatula or your fingers.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the center remains slightly soft. Note: Baking times may vary by oven.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before optionally frosting and slicing into squares. Add festive sprinkles, if desired.
Notes
For an extra indulgent touch, these bars pair excellently with a layer of cream cheese or vanilla frosting.