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Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Deliciously soft, chewy cookie bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for the holiday season.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Bars
  • 1 ½ cups butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla
  • to taste Holiday sprinkles (optional) For decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
  2. Grease a 9 by 13 inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. In a stand mixer or with handheld beaters, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses until light and fluffy.
  5. Mix in the egg until the mixture is smooth.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
  7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Baking
  1. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Frosting
  1. While the bars are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
Serving
  1. Once cooled, frost the gingerbread bars with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles, if desired.
  2. Slice into 24 bars and serve.

Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Let come to room temperature before serving. Tips include ensuring proper creaming of butter and sugars for a good texture and adding optional spices or nuts for extra flavor.