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Cozy Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl

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A cozy gingerbread cookie bars recipe featuring a warm, spicy gingerbread base paired with a tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting swirl. Perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg and molasses until combined.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
  6. In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  7. Pour half of the gingerbread batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Dollop half of the cream cheese frosting over the batter in spoonfuls and gently swirl to create a marbled effect.
  8. Repeat with the remaining batter and frosting to create a layered swirl.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use room temperature butter, egg, and cream cheese for smoother mixing. Dollop and gently swirl the cream cheese frosting to maintain a marbled effect. Start checking bars at 25 minutes to avoid over-baking. Bars can be stored at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread bars, cream cheese frosting, holiday dessert, gingerbread cookie bars, easy gingerbread recipe, festive baking

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/cozy-gingerbread-cookie-bars-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting-swirl/