The Los Angeles Post
California & Local U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: December 22, 2024
Today: December 22, 2024

Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 18 mins
Total Time: 33 mins
Yield: 16 bars
Perfect for a festive holiday season, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars evoke the warmth of classic holiday spices adorned with a luscious cream cheese frosting. These are great for sharing at gatherings or cozying up with a hot beverage.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (170g) - room temperature unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (220g) - packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons - vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons - ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon - ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon - ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon - ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon - kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon - baking soda
  • 1/4 cup - molasses, light or dark (not blackstrap)
  • 1 - large egg
  • 2 1/4 cups (315g) - all-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces (227g) - cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (113g) - unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon - vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon - kosher salt
  • 3 cups (345g) - powdered sugar, sifted
  • - Holiday sprinkles, optional
  1. Step 1 Preheat an oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with cooking oil. Line it with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on the long sides to assist in lifting the bars out post-baking.
  2. Step 2 In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and baking soda. Cream on medium-high until a cohesive paste forms, sticking to the bowl's side, approximately 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3 Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the molasses and egg, then mix on medium speed for about 30 seconds, until incorporated.
  4. Step 4 Scrape down the bowl once more, then add the flour. Mix on low speed, allowing the dry ingredients to be absorbed. You may need to pause and scrape the sides again to ensure thorough incorporation. The dough should resemble thick, stiff frosting.
  5. Step 5 Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan using a butter knife or a small offset spatula.
  6. Step 6 Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 16 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Step 7 Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature, approximately 2 hours. During this time, ensure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting reach room temperature as well.
  8. Step 8 Once the bars are cool, prepare the frosting. In a clean stand mixer bowl with a paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth and lump-free, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides, add vanilla and salt, and mix for another 30 seconds. Incorporate the sifted powdered sugar on low speed until the frosting is thick and smooth.
  9. Step 9 Generously apply the frosting over the cooled cookie bars.
  10. Step 10 For sharper presentation lines, place the frosted bars in the fridge to chill uncovered for 1 hour. Lift the bars using the parchment paper handles and move to a cutting board. With a large sharp knife, make clean cuts by pressing straight down, wiping the blade after each cut. If opting out of chilling, cut the cooled bars for a less defined edge.
  11. Step 11 Arrange the bars on a platter, optionally adorned with holiday sprinkles, and serve. Store any remaining bars covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (170g) - room temperature unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (220g) - packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons - vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons - ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon - ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon - ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon - ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon - kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon - baking soda
  • 1/4 cup - molasses, light or dark (not blackstrap)
  • 1 - large egg
  • 2 1/4 cups (315g) - all-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces (227g) - cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (113g) - unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon - vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon - kosher salt
  • 3 cups (345g) - powdered sugar, sifted
  • - Holiday sprinkles, optional

Related

Share This