Haha, I totally get it! Sometimes those warm, freshly-baked treats are just irresistible, especially when the spices are wafting through the air. Let’s turn that craving into a full, detailed recipe that’s just as tempting. I’ll give you a festive and flavorful treat to bake, and it’s perfect whether you’re decorating or just enjoying them fresh from the oven.
Spiced Holiday Bars: A Cozy Winter Treat You Won’t Want to Wait To Eat
Introduction
There’s something magical about baking during the holiday season—the sweet aroma of warm spices, the promise of indulgent desserts, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. Spiced Holiday Bars are the perfect treat to celebrate the season. A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger fills every bite, making them a must-have for cozy nights by the fire. These bars are easy to make, decadent yet comforting, and, let’s be honest, way too good to wait for them to cool before taking that first bite.
History
The combination of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg dates back centuries, with roots in both ancient Mediterranean and Asian cultures. These flavors became staples in wintertime baking in Western traditions, particularly during the holiday season. In fact, gingerbread cookies, spiced cakes, and pies filled with warm spices have been enjoyed for centuries in different forms across Europe and America. These bars are a more modern take on these traditions, perfect for sharing at Christmas parties or for a quick sweet treat on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk)
For the frosting (optional but highly recommended):
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for a little extra spice in the frosting)
For decoration (optional but festive):
- Sprinkles (holiday-themed or any color you prefer)
- Cinnamon sticks or edible glitter (optional, for extra sparkle)
Method
- Prepare the pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. - Make the batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or a good bit of elbow grease if you’re doing it by hand. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Mix dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. - Bake the bars:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The bars will be golden on top and firm to the touch. If you’ve been tempted by the smell of spices, this is the moment to resist (or not)! - Cool slightly:
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you’re like me, cut into them while still warm for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. - Make the frosting:
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add the milk a little at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency. You can adjust the amount of milk depending on how thick or thin you want the frosting. - Frost the bars:
Once the bars are completely cool (or not—your call!), spread the frosting generously over the top. For a festive touch, sprinkle with some holiday sprinkles, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few cinnamon sticks for decoration. - Slice and serve:
Cut the bars into squares, and they’re ready to serve! If you’re not eating them immediately (good luck with that), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Conclusion
These Spiced Holiday Bars are the perfect balance of cozy, warm flavors with the sweetness of a frosted treat. Whether you’re decorating them for a holiday gathering or enjoying them as-is, they offer a delicious taste of the season in every bite. The warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will bring that festive spirit right to your kitchen. And, of course, they’re perfect when you’re looking for something to nibble on while you wait for your other holiday treats to cool. Enjoy every bite—because sometimes, waiting for a treat to cool just isn’t an option!
Lovers of This Recipe
- Spice lovers: If you enjoy the rich, aromatic warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, these bars are a dream come true.
- Bakers who love simple recipes: The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are simple, making it perfect for anyone from beginners to seasoned pros.
- Fans of classic holiday desserts: These bars have the comforting essence of spiced cakes and cookies but in a fun, easy-to-make bar format.
- Gift Givers: Packaged beautifully in a box or tin, these bars make a thoughtful and homemade gift for neighbors, friends, or family.
Methods for Customization
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves, cardamom, or allspice to take the flavor even further.
- Nuts and fruits: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this a gluten-free treat.
- Frosting flavors: Change up the frosting by adding a touch of orange zest or maple syrup for a seasonal twist.
I’m sure you’ll be tempted to devour these warm out of the oven just like the last time, but hey, they’re delicious either way! Let me know how they turn out if you decide to bake them. 😊