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s stack of gingerbread cookie bars with cream cheese frosting.
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Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are ultra thick, soft, and chewy with tons of warm, cozy spices, topped with a generous layer of tangy frosting!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 12 large or 24 small bars
Author Tessa Arias

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • 3 cups (380 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (170 grams) unsulphured molasses*
  • 1 large egg

For the frosting:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract)
  • 2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

Make the cookie bars:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to combine.
  • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until well combined and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the egg and molasses and beat until combined. On low speed, slowly add the flour mixture and beat until incorporated.
  • Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cooked through but still moist and soft. Cookie bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Make the frosting:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla on medium-high speed until very light, creamy, and smooth. On low speed, gradually add in the sugar and beat until fluffy.
  • Spread the frosting all over the cooled cookie. Cut into squares and serve. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.

Notes

*Be sure to use regular unsulphured molasses (like Grandma’s or Brer Rabbit brands). Don’t use blackstrap molasses, as it has a harsh and bitter flavor. 
Check your spices to make sure they’re still very aromatic. Older spices carry less flavor; fresh spices will carry a LOT more flavor. So, just be aware of that and feel free to adjust accordingly.