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Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

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Warm and cozy gingerbread cookie bars topped with spiced cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Small pinch of ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 6 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, & allspice for frosting
  • Optional: sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses until smooth in a separate bowl.
  4. Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture, whisking until combined.
  5. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 23 to 26 minutes, until set around the edges.
  8. Let cool for at least 1 hour in the pan.
  9. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract.
  10. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  11. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store cooled, frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread, cookie bars, holiday dessert, cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://recipehappy.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars-spiced-cream-cheese-frosting/