Description
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Maple Frosting are a delightful and budget-friendly treat, perfect for the holidays or any time you’re craving a taste of festive spices. They combine the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread with a sweet and creamy maple frosting, all in an easy-to-make bar form.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Maple Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press the gingerbread dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- To make the Maple Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more maple syrup or milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Once the gingerbread bars are completely cool, spread the maple frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For extra festive flair, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the top of the frosting before serving.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- If you prefer a lemon glaze instead of maple, combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and drizzle over cooled bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
