The Story & Intro
Growing up in Crete, baking with my grandmother was always an adventure. One winter, I decided to try something a little different instead of classic round cookies, I wanted a treat that was easier to slice and share. That’s how gingerbread cookie bars were born in my kitchen.
The first batch filled the house with the warm aroma of molasses, cinnamon, and ginger. I couldn’t resist sneaking a piece straight from the pan chewy, spicy, and perfectly soft. These gingerbread cookie bars are simple, comforting, and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or anyone who loves the smell of holidays in the air.
If you’ve ever wanted the flavor of gingerbread in a convenient bar form, this recipe is for you. They’re soft enough to enjoy with a cup of tea, chewy enough to satisfy cookie cravings, and just the right size to bring along to holiday parties. Baking these gingerbread cookie bars is easy, fun, and full of nostalgia a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Icing drizzle for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk together until evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Mix Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick, soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; we want the bars tender.
5. Spread Into Pan
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
6. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking bars should remain soft and chewy.
7. Cool & Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside hot cocoa or tea for a cozy snack.
- Pack in decorative tins as holiday gifts.
- Layer with whipped cream or caramel for a festive dessert tray.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them soft.
Tips Before the Conclusion Recipe Card Style 📝
⏰ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Bake: 20–25 minutes
- Total: ~35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- Listed above ☝️
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Preheat & prep pan
- Mix dry ingredients
- Mix wet ingredients
- Combine wet + dry
- Spread in pan
- Bake
- Cool & slice
💡 Notes
- Don’t overbake to keep the bars soft.
- Molasses gives a rich, deep flavor don’t skip it.
- Spice levels can be adjusted to taste.
🍪 Nutrition (Approx., per bar)
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 21g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
These gingerbread cookie bars are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and warmly spiced. They’re simple enough for weekday baking, yet festive enough for holiday gatherings. Every bite reminds me of those special moments in the kitchen with my grandmother flour on our hands, laughter in the air, and the smell of spices filling the home.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cookie enthusiast, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing treat every time. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or just enjoying with a cozy cup of tea, these bars will become a holiday favorite or an all-year comfort food indulgence.
100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete. One winter, I wanted a simpler way to share gingerbread with friends, so I invented gingerbread cookie bars. They bake quickly in a pan, keeping the soft, chewy texture I love while filling the house with warm spices. Molasses, cinnamon, and ginger create a cozy, nostalgic flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or a sweet snack with tea, these bars are easy to make and irresistible to eat. Every bite brings back childhood memories and fills your kitchen with love and warmth just like my grandmother taught me.