Perfectly Spiced Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe for Winter Joy

Gooey chocolate chips dance through these chewy gingerbread bars, creating a festive treat that sparks winter memories.

Warmth radiates from fragrant spices mingling in every delectable bite.

Soft edges and crisp centers make these bars irresistible to anyone who loves comfort desserts.

Sweet molasses weaves complexity into each tender morsel, inviting you to savor childhood nostalgia.

Cozy kitchen aromas will drift through your home as you mix these simple ingredients.

Dark, rich flavors promise a delightful escape from ordinary snacking moments.

Baking these bars might just become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Storage Advice for Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

• Store cooled gingerbread bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

FAQs on Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

• Why are my gingerbread bars not chewy?

Make sure you don’t overbake the bars. Take them out when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. Slightly underbaking helps maintain that signature chewy texture.

• Can I use fresh or ground spices?

Ground spices work best in this recipe. Fresh spices can have inconsistent potency and might alter the overall flavor balance of the gingerbread bars.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for darker edges, a set center, and a toothpick with a few moist crumbs. This indicates the bars are cooked through but still maintain their chewy, soft texture.

Why Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe Are a Holiday Favorite

• Craft a Cozy Treat: Dive into these gingerbread bars that bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
• Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Delight: Crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, spicy flavors.
• Holiday Showstopper: Capture the essence of festive celebrations with these moist, spiced bars that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread bars.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, chewy consistency.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that give the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the golden-brown color.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
• Molasses: Gives the traditional dark color and deep, rich taste characteristic of gingerbread.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.

• Frosting: Provides a sweet finishing touch to the gingerbread bars.

Instructions for Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Salt

Blend these spices and dry components until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Molasses

Whip these ingredients on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and wonderfully aromatic.

Step 4: Bind the Batter

Add one egg to the creamy mixture and blend thoroughly. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture, starting on low speed. Once the flour is mixed in, increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional minute.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly across the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for a deeper color and test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Settle

Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely before adding any frosting or cutting into delectable squares.

Pro Tips for Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Generously spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy bar removal and cleanup.
• Master Mixing Technique: Cream butter and sugars thoroughly until light and fluffy to ensure a soft, chewy texture in your gingerbread bars.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Look for darker color and a few moist crumbs on the toothpick to avoid overbaking, which can result in dry bars.
• Spice Balance Matters: Use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor, ensuring your ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are not older than six months.
• Cool Completely First: Allow bars to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, even frosting application.

Variation Ideas for Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

• Gluten-Free Ginger Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, spicy flavor profile.
• Vegan Spice Squares: Substitute egg with flax egg (ground flaxseed and water) and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based alternative that's equally warm and comforting.
• Reduced Sugar Gingerbread Treats: Swap granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to lower the calorie content while preserving the classic gingerbread taste.
• Nutty Ginger Bars: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and depth, creating a more textured and protein-rich dessert option.

Pairing Suggestions for Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

• Pair Warming Spiced Chai: Brew a rich, creamy chai tea that echoes the gingerbread's warm spices, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the bar's deep molasses notes.
• Complement with Vanilla Cream: Top the gingerbread bars with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream, adding a smooth, cool contrast to the dense, spicy dessert.
• Match with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the bars, intensifying the brown sugar and molasses undertones while providing a luxurious, glossy finish.
• Serve with Mulled Wine: Pour a glass of spiced red wine, allowing the wine's cinnamon and clove notes to dance alongside the gingerbread's robust winter spices.

Chewy Gingerbread Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spiced gingerbread bars bring winter warmth with their rich molasses depth and comforting blend of classic holiday flavors. Homemade goodness invites sweet memories and delights waiting to be shared with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

Spices:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Extras:

• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl, then set aside.
3. Using a stand mixer or handheld beaters, blend melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses until the mixture becomes light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the egg into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture on low speed, then increase to medium speed for one minute to create a smooth, consistent dough.
6. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the bars develop a deeper color and a toothpick inserted reveals a few moist crumbs.
8. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack, allowing the bars to cool completely before adding any frosting.

Notes

• Adjust the spice blend by increasing or decreasing ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to match personal taste preferences and create a customized flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Use room temperature egg and butter to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent incorporation of ingredients, resulting in a more uniform and tender bar texture.
• Prevent over-baking by checking the bars a few minutes earlier and looking for slight moisture in the center, which helps maintain the signature chewy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 247
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 156 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg