Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are ultra thick, soft, and chewy with tons of aromatic spices and a generous layer of tangy frosting!
Course
Dessert
Cuisine
American
Prep Time:20minutes
Cook Time:20minutes
Total Time:40minutes
Yields:12large or 24 small bars
Recipe byTessa Arias
Ingredients
For the cookies:
3cups(380 grams) all-purpose flour
1teaspoonbaking powder
1/2teaspoonbaking soda
1/2teaspoonsalt
1 1/4teaspoonsground ginger
1teaspoonground cinnamon
1/4teaspoonground cloves
1/4teaspoonground nutmeg
1 1/2sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2cup(100 grams) packed light brown sugar
1/2cup(170 grams) unsulfured molasses
1large egg
For the frosting:
8ounces(227 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
1stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2teaspoonsvanilla paste (or extract)
2cups(250 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
Directions
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. 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 cookie. Cut into squares and serve. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.