Gingerbread Bars

Chewy gingerbread bars with a luscious cream cheese frosting are the ultimate gingerbread treat for the Christmas season! Packed with warming spices, molasses, and a classic gingerbread flavor, they’re the perfect holiday recipe for cozy, festive baking.

Table of Contents

1. Why We Love This Recipe
2. What You’ll Need
3. How to Make Gingerbread Bars
4. Recipe FAQs
5. Tips for Success
6. What to Serve with Gingerbread Bars
7. Substitutions and Variations
8. More Dessert Bars for Every Occasion
9. Gingerbread Bars Recipe

I polled my audience over on social media this year to see what their favorite holiday flavor was and gingerbread took 2nd place after peppermint only by the narrowest of margins.

Gingerbread has long been a favorite holiday recipe, bringing together warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with the rich flavor of molasses. From soft molasses cookies to chewy gingerbread men, these classic treats are a staple during the Christmas season and beyond. Transforming this beloved flavor into bar form gives a fun, modern twist to a timeless tradition.

These chewy gingerbread bars offer everything you love about gingerbread cookies, without the need for cookie cutters or rolling out dough. The chewy texture pairs perfectly with a tangy cream cheese frosting that balances the rich spices beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in some festive baking, this easy recipe will become your go-to for the most delicious gingerbread treats.

Obsessed with gingerbread? My Gingerbread Earthquake Cake, Gingerbread Truffles, Soft & Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies, Gingerbread Cupcakes with Eggnog Buttercream, and Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are calling your name!

Why We Love This Recipe

• The chewy texture of these gingerbread bars is irresistible, delivering the perfect balance of soft molasses cookies and a gingerbread cookie recipe in every bite.
• Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, these bars bring a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the cozy flavor of the holiday spices.
• This easy recipe comes together quickly, with no need for cookie cutters or extra steps—making it a good idea for busy holiday baking days.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

• Salted Butter – Provides richness and keeps the bars moist, and adds creaminess and flavor to the frosting; unsalted butter works too, just add a pinch of salt.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the bars and helps create that chewy texture we love.
• Brown Sugar – Adds depth with its molasses-like flavor; dark brown sugar can be substituted for an even richer taste.
• Molasses – The key ingredient for classic gingerbread flavor; use unsulphured molasses, not blackstrap molasses.
• Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; measure carefully to avoid adding too much flour, which can make the bars dense.
• Baking Soda – Helps the bars rise and gives them a soft texture.
• Ground Cinnamon – A must-have warming spice for that classic gingerbread cookie flavor.
• Ground Ginger – Adds a zesty kick and rounds out the cozy flavor profile.
• Ground Nutmeg – Offers a subtle warmth that complements the other spices beautifully.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Ground Cloves – A small amount goes a long way, adding depth and a bold, spiced finish.
• Cream Cheese – Softened and full-fat for a tangy, rich base.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting to perfection while keeping it light and fluffy.
• Festive Sprinkles (Optional) – Add a fun and decorative touch to your holiday treats!

How to Make Gingerbread Bars

1. Prepare equipment. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This little trick makes removing the chewy gingerbread bars a breeze.
2. Mix wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Add dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until no streaks of flour remain.

4. Scrape bowl. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure an even mix.
5. Transfer and bake. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup or your hands. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center loses its glossy sheen. Use an oven thermometer for the best results. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan.

6. Make frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and luscious.
7. Frost and decorate. Spread the rich cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars. Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles, decorator sugar, or even white chocolate chips for a festive touch.
8. Slice and serve. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares, serve on a holiday platter, and watch them disappear! These chewy gingerbread treats are a hit for any time of year, especially during the Christmas season.

Recipe FAQs

Tips for Success

• Measure your flour accurately using a kitchen scale or by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make the bars dense instead of chewy.
• Use room temperature ingredients for the frosting to ensure a smooth, creamy texture that spreads effortlessly over the bars.
• Don’t overbake! The bars should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture. Keep a close eye on them and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• For clean cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts for neat, bakery-style squares.
• Customize the sprinkles or decorations to fit any occasion—holiday sprinkles for Christmas, or pastel sugar for springtime festivities.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap out molasses for dark corn syrup or even maple syrup for a milder flavor, but note this will alter the classic gingerbread taste.
• Add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Use unsalted butter instead of salted and add an extra pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
• Skip the frosting and dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar for a lighter, less sweet option.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

More Dessert Bars for Every Occasion

• Smores Bars Recipe
• Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• Pecan Pie Bars
• Pumpkin Bars
• Oreo Cheesecake Bars
• Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
• Oatmeal Fudge Bars
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars