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Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread cookie bars bake in a 9x13-inch pan until set with a tender, lightly springy center. Cool them completely, then finish with smooth cream cheese frosting and cut into 24 bars.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Cooling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 42 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 204
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Make the bars
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 egg large
  • 0.33 cup molasses unsulphured
Make the frosting
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.125 tsp salt

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch metal baking pan
  • 1 electric mixer

Method
 

Make the bars
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Line a 9x13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  3. Whisk the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. Beat the butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Beat in the egg and molasses.
  6. Add the flour mixture in two additions and mix on low just until no dry flour remains.
  7. Spread the dough evenly in the pan.
  8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the top is set and the center springs back lightly when touched.
  9. Cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour.
Make the frosting
  1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the powdered sugar gradually and beat until smooth.
  3. Beat in the vanilla and salt.
  4. Lift the cooled bars out using the parchment overhang.
  5. Spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  6. Cut into 24 bars.

Notes

For clean slices, make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; freeze for up to 2 months. For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese.