Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely adore sharing my Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with friends and family because it perfectly balances spicy warmth and creamy sweetness. Baking these bars fills my kitchen with cozy aromas, and the tender, moist gingerbread base topped with luscious, spiced cream cheese frosting creates a comforting treat that’s irresistible. This recipe has become my go-to during the holidays and chilly months, offering both nostalgic flavors and easy preparation that make every occasion feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

What I find truly delightful about this recipe is how the complex spice blend comes together to create that classic gingerbread flavor with a modern twist. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and just a hint of black pepper adds depth without being overpowering. Every bite offers a warm hug of spices complemented by the rich sweetness of molasses and brown sugar. When I frost these bars with cream cheese frosting, it adds a tangy creaminess that balances out the spices beautifully—it’s like the perfect little celebration in your mouth.

Beyond the incredible taste, I love how approachable this recipe is. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, and the method doesn’t require any complicated techniques or chill times, which makes it ideal for a weeknight treat or last-minute guests. These bars come together quickly, bake evenly in a single pan, and the parchment paper lining makes cleanup a breeze. Honestly, the ease of preparation combined with the cozy flavors makes this one of my favorite desserts to whip up for holiday gatherings, cozy coffee dates, or whenever I need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are refreshingly straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in achieving the dish’s iconic taste and texture. From the spicy warmth of the ground ginger and cinnamon to the rich moisture that molasses brings, every component is key to a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and the perfect tender crumb for the cookie bars.
• Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars rise slightly and remain soft.
• Ground ginger: The star spice that delivers that classic gingerbread warmth.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a sweet spiced note that complements the ginger beautifully.
• Allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper: These spices deepen the flavor profile, rounding out the complexity.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Contributes richness and moisture, ensuring the bars stay tender.
• Light or dark brown sugar: Imparts a subtle caramel depth and chewiness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in browning.
• Unsulphured molasses: Essential for authentic gingerbread flavor and moistness.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds to the tender texture.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the spices with a warm, aromatic note.
• Full-fat brick cream cheese (softened): The key to a smooth, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the spiced base.
• Unsalted butter (softened for frosting): Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides a silky texture.
• Additional ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice for frosting: Keeps the spice theme going for a perfectly balanced topping.
• Optional sprinkles: Bring fun, festive color and a little crunch.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and move your oven rack to the center position. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt until fully combined. This spice mixture will give the bars their signature warm flavor.

Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses until smooth with no lumps. Then whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Pour the wet butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a large spoon or silicone spatula until no traces of flour remain. You’ll notice the dough is thick and glossy. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. It may look like a thin layer, but that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be!

Step 5: Bake the bars for 23 to 26 minutes. You want the top to be set but still soft, with a toothpick inserted in the center coming out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake; the bars will firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Let the bars cool in the pan on a cooling rack for at least one hour. This step is important so the bars set properly before frosting.

Step 7: While the bars cool, make the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed with a handheld or stand mixer until smooth and creamy, about two minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Step 8: Add the confectioners’ sugar along with ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then raise to high and beat for two more minutes until the frosting is fluffy and totally combined. Taste and add a pinch of salt if the frosting is too sweet.

Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars. For a festive touch, sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles if you like. To help the frosting set, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Step 10: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares of your desired size and serve. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 18 generous servings, perfect for a crowd or sharing with loved ones. Prep time is around 15 minutes, making it a breezy project. Baking takes about 25 minutes, plus an additional hour for cooling before frosting. The frosting and setting time add roughly another 45 minutes, so expect a total time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. The patience to let these bars cool and set is well rewarded with their perfect texture and flavor.

How to Serve This Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Whenever I serve these bars, I love to offer them alongside a hot cup of coffee or fragrant chai tea, as the warm spices in the bars harmonize beautifully with those drinks. For holiday gatherings, pairing them with a mulled wine or a spiced cider really elevates the experience and complements the flavors perfectly. If you’re serving at a brunch or casual gathering, slicing them into smaller bite-sized squares makes them easy to enjoy with a glass of milk or cream-based latte.

I also like to get creative with presentation—sprinkling crushed candied ginger or a dusting of cinnamon over the top adds an extra layer of festive touch. For a colorful twist, seasonal sprinkles or chopped toasted nuts can bring crunch and visual appeal that make these bars stand out on any dessert table. I usually recommend serving these bars at room temperature, as the frosting is creamy but firm enough to hold its shape without getting too soft, offering the best bite and mouthfeel.

These bars are ideal for holiday parties, cozy family dinners, or even as an afternoon treat that doubles as a conversation piece. Their rich flavor profile and striking cream cheese frosting always become a highlight, making sure everyone requests the recipe by the end of the evening!

Variations

I love experimenting with variations on this Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. For someone looking for a gluten-free option, swapping the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend works wonderfully—just be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder. The texture remains wonderfully tender, and the spices shine through just as well.

If you want to make a vegan version, I recommend using plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives along with a flax or chia egg substitute in place of the chicken egg. Molasses stays the same, which keeps that deep, rich flavor intact. For the frosting, coconut cream works beautifully when whipped and mixed with vegan cream cheese, though the texture is naturally a bit lighter and fluffier than traditional cream cheese.

For additional sparkle or flavor twists, I sometimes add a tablespoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger straight into the batter or sprinkle on top of the frosting for a burst of zing. If you’re feeling bold, I also like to add a touch of freshly grated orange zest into the frosting for a bright citrus contrast that plays wonderfully with the gingerbread spices. Alternatively, baking the bars in muffin tins creates portable, individual servings with slightly crisper edges, perfect for grab-and-go treats.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting keep wonderfully in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. I usually use a shallow plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid, layering parchment paper between bars if stacking is necessary to prevent sticking and preserve frosting texture. Stored this way, the bars stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days. If you prefer to keep the bars without frosting, they can be stored at room temperature for about 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Freezing

Freezing these bars is absolutely possible, and I find it especially useful when making batch desserts. For best results, I freeze the baked bars before frosting, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They can last frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then make the cream cheese frosting fresh to spread on top. If your bars are already frosted, freezing can be trickier because the frosting can sometimes change texture, but wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil can help preserve their state; thaw gently in the fridge.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend bringing the bars to room temperature first, or warming them gently in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to soften the cream cheese frosting just a bit without melting it. Avoid prolonged microwaving or reheating in a hot oven because it can cause the frosting to separate or become too runny. Room temperature is often perfect because the bars are moist and the frosting creamy, ready to be enjoyed as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular molasses?

Blackstrap molasses has a much stronger, more bitter flavor than regular unsulphured molasses, so I don’t recommend substituting it in this recipe. The taste can become overpowering and unpleasant. I suggest sticking with regular molasses, like Grandma’s brand, which offers a rich yet balanced sweetness perfect for gingerbread.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

If you’re missing one or two spices, don’t worry—ginger and cinnamon are the most essential, but the recipe will still be lovely with just those two. The additional allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper just deepen the complexity and aroma, so feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars taste fantastic when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up nicely in the fridge. Just cover them tightly and keep refrigerated after frosting. Bringing them to room temperature before serving ensures the best flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars after frosting?

Because of the cream cheese in the frosting, refrigeration is important to maintain freshness and food safety. Refrigerate the frosted bars for at least 30 minutes to help the frosting set, and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to serve. You can serve them chilled or at room temperature, both work well.

Can I make these bars without frosting?

Absolutely! The gingerbread cookie bars alone are delicious—spicy, tender, and moist. If you skip the frosting, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. The frosting adds a wonderful creamy layer, but the bars are delightful on their own with a cup of tea or coffee.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough—it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that always brings a smile to my face and those I share it with. Whether it’s a festive holiday treat or a sweet everyday indulgence, these bars deliver charming flavors and a perfect texture that feel truly special. I hope you have as much fun baking and enjoying them as I do!

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