Description
Delight in these rich and warmly spiced Chocolate Gingerbread Bars topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Featuring classic holiday spices, molasses, and white chocolate chips for a sweet twist, these bars are perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese (approx 8 oz, softened)
- Powdered sugar (approx 1 to 1 1/2 cups)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Optional: Food coloring
- Optional: Cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a bowl or mixer, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy to create the base of the dough.
- Add Egg and Molasses: Beat in the egg and molasses thoroughly until fully incorporated, enhancing the bars’ rich flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly without overmixing.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare and Apply Frosting: While the bars cool, make the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add optional food coloring as desired. Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the bars and optionally sprinkle with cinnamon for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; check doneness with a toothpick.
- White chocolate chips add a sweet contrast to the gingerbread spices but can be substituted or omitted based on preference.
- Food coloring is optional and can be used for festive occasions.
- Store bars covered in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
