Gingerbread Brownies

These brownies combine the dense, chewy texture of a classic brownie with warm gingerbread spices and molasses for a unique holiday treat.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:39:15 GMT
A close-up of a square cake topped with powdered sugar, cut into four pieces and placed on parchment paper.
A close-up of a square cake topped with powdered sugar, cut into four pieces and placed on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of a square cake topped with powdered sugar, cut into four pieces and placed on parchment paper. | quickierecipe.com

In my kitchen these Gingerbread Brownies bring holiday magic to life. The way they combine that dense fudgy brownie texture with warm gingerbread spices creates something truly special. Every time I bake them the aroma of ginger and cinnamon fills my home making everything feel wonderfully festive.

Simple Yet Special

What I love most about these brownies is how they transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. They come together so easily yet taste like they took hours to make. Whether dusted with sugar or topped with creamy frosting they never fail to bring holiday cheer to any gathering.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Two sticks melted creates pure richness.
  • Brown Sugar: Light brown brings caramel notes.
  • Eggs: Room temperature helps everything blend perfectly.
  • Molasses: That deep sweetness makes everything special.
  • Vanilla: Adds such wonderful depth.
  • Flour: Measured carefully for the perfect texture.
  • Spices: Ginger and cinnamon create holiday magic.
  • Leavening: Just enough baking powder for a slight lift.
  • Salt: Balances all those flavors beautifully.
  • Powdered Sugar: Makes them look like snow dusted treats.

Let's Start Baking

Setting Up
I always start with my oven at 350°F and line my pan with parchment those extra edges make lifting the brownies out so easy.
Mixing the Magic
Watching that butter and brown sugar come together is pure joy then eggs molasses and vanilla make everything silky smooth.
Dry Ingredients
All those wonderful spices get whisked with the flour creating such amazing aromas.
Into the Oven
Spreading the batter evenly is key then waiting those 30 minutes while they bake tests my patience.
Worth the Wait
Letting them cool completely before that dusting of sugar creates the prettiest holiday treat.
A plate of chocolate brownies dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by pine branches and a red checkered cloth. Pin it
A plate of chocolate brownies dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by pine branches and a red checkered cloth. | quickierecipe.com

Keeping Them Fresh

These brownies stay wonderful in an airtight container for several days. Sometimes I'll tuck individual pieces in the freezer wrapped carefully they keep their magic for months. Just bringing them to room temperature brings back all that fresh-baked goodness.

Make Them Your Own

I love playing with different toppings on these brownies. Sometimes it's cream cheese frosting other times a drizzle of caramel. Adding chocolate chips to the batter creates little pockets of melty goodness and toasted nuts bring wonderful crunch.

Kitchen Flexibility

Don't worry if you need to make substitutions these brownies are quite forgiving. Salted butter works fine just reduce the extra salt. Dark brown sugar adds its own special richness and always using unsulphured molasses keeps that perfect gingerbread flavor.

Spice is Nice

The balance of ginger and cinnamon creates that classic gingerbread warmth we all love. Sometimes I'll adjust the spices based on who I'm baking for more ginger for spice lovers or a gentler touch for those who prefer milder flavors.

Kitchen Essentials

Everything needed for these brownies is probably already in your kitchen. My trusty mixing bowls spatula and that perfect square baking pan are all it takes. I always keep extra parchment paper on hand it makes removing the brownies so much easier and cleanup becomes a breeze.

Holiday Magic

These brownies have become such a special part of my holiday baking tradition. The way they combine cozy gingerbread flavors with that perfect brownie chew makes them unique. Whether I'm packaging them as gifts or serving them at gatherings they always bring such joy.

Festive Gatherings

During the holidays I love serving these alongside other seasonal treats. They look beautiful on a dessert platter next to spiced cookies or gingerbread loaf. Something about their rich flavor and chewy texture makes them stand out even among all the holiday goodies.

Creating Memories

Each time I bake these brownies they remind me why holiday baking is so special. It's not just about the treats themselves but the warmth and joy they bring to our celebrations. Whether shared with family or given as gifts they're a delicious way to spread holiday cheer.

Pure Comfort

These brownies represent everything wonderful about holiday baking combining familiar flavors in a new way. They're simple enough for everyday treats but special enough for festive occasions. Every bite brings together the comfort of brownies with the nostalgic taste of gingerbread.

A stack of rich, powdered-sugar-dusted brownies rests on a wooden surface, surrounded by festive pinecones and greenery. Pin it
A stack of rich, powdered-sugar-dusted brownies rests on a wooden surface, surrounded by festive pinecones and greenery. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when they're done?

The edges should be set and the center should no longer be jiggly. Like regular brownies, don't overbake for best texture.

→ Can I use blackstrap molasses?

Regular molasses works best as blackstrap can be too bitter. Look for unsulphured molasses for best flavor.

→ Why are my brownies dry?

Be careful not to overbake and measure flour correctly by spooning into measuring cup rather than scooping directly from flour bag.

→ Can I add chocolate?

White chocolate chips make a nice addition if you want to include chocolate while keeping the gingerbread flavor prominent.

→ How should I store these?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Gingerbread Brownies

Rich, dense brownies flavored with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for a festive twist on classic brownies. Perfect for holiday gatherings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 brownies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, melted.
02 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar.
03 2 large eggs, room temperature.
04 2 tablespoons molasses.
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
07 1 tablespoon ground ginger.
08 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
09 1 teaspoon baking powder.
10 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
11 Confectioners' sugar for dusting.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9x9 pan with parchment.

Step 02

Combine melted butter and brown sugar, then mix in eggs, molasses and vanilla.

Step 03

Whisk flour, spices, baking powder and salt.

Step 04

Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet until fully mixed.

Step 05

Spread in pan and bake 30-35 minutes until edges set and center not jiggly.

Step 06

Cool completely then dust with confectioners' sugar before cutting.

Notes

  1. Can be made in 9x13 pan with adjusted time.
  2. Don't overbake for best texture.
  3. Let cool completely before cutting.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x9 baking pan.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Kitchen scale (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 4 g