Description
These Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a holiday classic that brings together warm, cozy spices and a luscious cream cheese topping. The combination of molasses, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger creates the perfect spiced treat, while the creamy, tangy frosting balances out the sweetness. These bars are soft, chewy, and full of holiday cheer!
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Frosting:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan or glass dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. Whip the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light brown color.
Add the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, flour, and baking soda. Mix until the dry ingredients are just combined.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges start to barely brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
For the frosting, whip the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
Once the gingerbread bars are cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. Cut into squares and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 270