Chewy Gingerbread Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
02 -
3 cups powdered sugar.
03 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
04 -
1 large egg.
05 -
2 teaspoons baking soda.
06 -
Optional: Sprinkles or other decorations.
07 -
¼ teaspoon salt.
08 -
½ teaspoon ground cloves.
09 -
½ cup light brown sugar, packed.
10 -
1 cup white granulated sugar.
11 -
½ tablespoon molasses.
12 -
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened.
13 -
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour.
14 -
¼ cup molasses.
15 -
1 teaspoon ground ginger.
16 -
½ cup unsalted butter, softened.
17 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ready a 9x13-inch tray by lining it with parchment or giving it a light coat of grease.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until they're creamy. Add in the molasses and egg, and whisk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla last.
03 -
In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and baking soda with a whisk until evenly blended.
04 -
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the first bowl. Mix until it's just combined; the dough will be quite thick. Press it evenly across the lined pan.
05 -
Pop it in the oven for about 22 to 23 minutes. It's done when a toothpick comes out clean from the middle. Leave it to cool off completely in the same pan.
06 -
Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing until creamy. Blend in the vanilla extract.
07 -
After the cookie bars have cooled down fully, cover them with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate with sprinkles or any toppings you like. Cut into pieces—24 smaller squares work great if you want bite-sized bars.
# Notes:
01 -
For easier mixing, let the butter and cream cheese sit at room temp to soften before starting.
02 -
Lining your pan with parchment makes removing the bars a breeze, plus cleanup is faster.
03 -
Don't frost the bars while they're warm, or the frosting will melt and get messy.