Delectable Chewy Gingerbread Bars (Print Version)
Ingredients:
01 -
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 -
1 cup white granulated sugar.
03 -
½ cup light brown sugar, packed.
04 -
¼ cup molasses.
05 -
1 large egg.
06 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
07 -
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour.
08 -
2 teaspoons baking soda.
09 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
10 -
1 teaspoon ground ginger.
11 -
½ teaspoon ground cloves.
12 -
¼ teaspoon salt.
13 -
½ cup unsalted butter, softened.
14 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
15 -
3 cups powdered sugar.
16 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
17 -
Optional: Sprinkles or other decorations.
Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the white granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and softened butter until well combined. Whisk in the molasses and egg until smooth. Whisk in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. The batter will be thick. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 22-23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan.
02 -
In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
03 -
Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired. Cut into bars (you can cut into 24 squares and then cut each square in half for smaller rectangles).
Notes:
01 -
Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened at room temperature before starting the recipe for better blending.
02 -
Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy release and cleanup.
03 -
Let the gingerbread cookie bars cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.