Chewy Gingerbread Bars

If you are looking for a
SimpleHolidayRecipeOfWonder,
I would like you to meet these Chewy Gingerbread Bars.
They taste just like a gingerbread cookie…but thicker and chewier and just so darn delicious, you won’t believe it. As an added bonus, they are super quick to put together and only take 12 minutes to bake. Did I say they had a lot going for them, or what!?

These bars are definitely some cookies you should add to your holiday baking list. They are SO good! They taste just like a gingerbread cookie…but thicker and chewier and just so darn delicious, you won’t believe it. Oh and don’t even get me started on that cream cheese frosting. These are are seriously heaven. You need them in your life ASAP!!!
Enjoy! 🙂

Actually, since me and a few of my blogging friends were in Austin at Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop and we tried their amazing ginger cookies, that’s when my love affair started.

There ain’t nothing wrong with chewy cookie bars. Or cream cheese frosting.

And, interesting fact: cookie bars are approximately 17.2 times EASIER to make then actual cookies. And you are 24.9 times less likely to screw them up. I love not scooping cookie dough, or waiting in 8 minute intervals to switch cookie sheets in the oven.

If you’re planning on making some sort of treats for neighbors or loved ones this holiday season, I’d recommend cookie bars. These cookie bars. Fun, festive, easy and my new favorite holiday treat. And I’m not just saying that. These are my favorites as of now. Wanna make ’em? THOUGHT SO.

INGREDIENTS

•  1/2 cup butter, melted
•  3/4 cup granulated sugar
•  1/4 cup brown sugar
•  1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  1/3 cup molasses
•  1 egg
•  2 teaspoons baking soda
•  2 cups all-purpose flour
•  1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
•  1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
•  1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
•  1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
•  1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting: (or just dust with powdered sugar)

•  1/2 cup butter, softened
•  1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
•  1 lb (3 3/4 cups) powdered sugar
•  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses on medium speed until creamy.
3. Add the egg and stir until completely incorporated. Add baking soda, flour, spices, and salt and mix until well combined. Spread dough into prepared pan, using clean hands or a rubber spatula to press the dough to the edges of the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes; do not overbake! Cool in a pan with a wire rack.
4. When bars have cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting or dust lightly with powdered sugar. They are delicious with nothing on them! Cut into squares and serve.
5. For the frosting: Cream together the butter and cream cheese. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Slowly mix on low and then beat it on high until fluffy.

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