A Festive Delight
Gingerbread has been a cherished holiday treat for centuries, evoking the warm, spicy flavors of the season. Gingerbread cookie bars are a modern twist on the traditional gingerbread cookie, offering all the festive flavor in a soft, chewy bar form. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a cozy treat with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, these bars are easy to make and delightful to share.
History of Gingerbread
Gingerbread dates back to ancient times when ginger was used for medicinal and culinary purposes. By the Middle Ages, Europeans began crafting ginger-spiced cookies, often shaped into intricate designs. The tradition of gingerbread houses became popular in Germany, especially after the story of Hansel and Gretel. Over time, gingerbread evolved into various forms, including soft cakes, crispy cookies, and now, cookie bars.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp nutmeg
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
½ cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract, until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting (if using): In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until creamy.
- Frost and Slice: Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and slice into squares or rectangles.
Benefits of Gingerbread
Nutritional Value: Ginger, the key spice, is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Comfort Food: Its warm spices provide a sense of coziness, making it perfect for winter months.
Easy to Share: Bars are a great format for gatherings, as they’re easy to transport and serve.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Without Frosting)
Calories: ~150
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 1g
With Frosting:
Add ~80-100 calories per serving.
Why Gingerbread Cookie Bars are Loved
Gingerbread cookie bars are adored by all age groups for their rich, festive flavor and soft, chewy texture. They’re a hit at cookie exchanges, holiday feasts, and as a simple treat for family movie nights. Lovers of gingerbread appreciate the balance of sweetness and spice, and the frosting adds a creamy, decadent touch.
Conclusion
Gingerbread cookie bars are a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays. They combine tradition with convenience, offering all the nostalgic flavors in an easy-to-make and shareable form. Whether you enjoy them plain or frosted, these bars are sure to spread warmth and joy. Share them with loved ones and savor the festive season!