Perfect Cookies for the Holidays
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tbs ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
holiday sprinkles to garnish
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, molasses, and egg until light and airy (I used a stand mixer).
Slowly combine half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Add in the milk and start mixing again. Finally, add in the rest of the flour mixture and mix until just incorporated.
Spread the batter into the pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until set (until a toothpick comes out clean). Cool completely.
Prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing together the butter and cream cheese (I used my stand mixer). Add the powdered sugar (one cup at a time), vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until light and fluffy.
Once the bars have cooled completely, frost with the cream cheese frosting, then sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Cut into squares and serve.
Refrigerate any leftovers.
Holiday baking is a cherished tradition, and gingerbread cookie bars are an excellent way to capture the warm flavors of the season with minimal effort. This recipe combines classic holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, which not only bring a cozy aroma but also provide a rich, layered flavor perfect for winter celebrations. The use of molasses in the batter adds depth and moisture, giving the bars a chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy, sweet cream cheese frosting. For best results, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to ensure a smooth, fluffy frosting that spreads easily over the cooled bars. Adding festive holiday sprinkles on top is a fun and vibrant way to finish off these treats, making them visually appealing for parties or gift-giving. When making the batter, it’s important to mix the ingredients gently once the wet and dry components are combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the bars tough. Baking in a 9x13 inch pan allows you to create perfect uniform squares that are easy to serve. Cooling the bars completely before frosting helps maintain the frosting’s texture and keeps the bars from becoming soggy. In addition to being a tasty dessert, gingerbread cookie bars are quite versatile. You can experiment by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch, or even drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for extra decadence. For an alcohol-infused twist, a splash of bourbon or rum in the batter pairs beautifully with the spices. Storing these bars in the refrigerator ensures the frosting stays fresh and firm, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature once taken out. They also freeze well, so you can prepare them ahead of time for your holiday celebrations. Whether for a family gathering, a festive potluck, or just a cozy night in, these gingerbread cookie bars offer a delightful holiday treat that is simple to make and loved by all ages.
