If you love a cozy, warmly spiced treat that feels like a big hug in dessert form, then you are going to adore this Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe. Imagine the perfect balance of sweet molasses, aromatic ginger, and cinnamon all baked into soft, chewy bars that are easy to make and even easier to devour. These bars bring the comfort of gingerbread cookies with the convenience of a bar, making them an ideal snack or dessert for the whole family. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a casual get-together, or just because the craving strikes, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for that perfect gingerbread craving satisfied with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the warm spices that create its iconic flavor to the applesauce that keeps the texture welcomingly soft and moist.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and a tender crumb for these bars.
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger: The star spice that gives these bars their signature zing and depth.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the ginger.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: A little goes a long way to enhance the spicy aroma.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise just right without becoming cakey.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the bars moist and adds a mild natural sweetness.
- 1/3 cup molasses: Brings that classic deep, rich gingerbread flavor and beautiful dark color.
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel complexity.
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or butter, melted: Gives richness and helps create the soft texture you want.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds a lovely aromatic touch.
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for topping: Adds delightful texture and a sweet or nutty contrast.
How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures a nice even bake. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This little prep step makes sure your bars come out perfectly and cleanly, ready to slice and serve without sticking hassles.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them together well is key to distributing the spices evenly throughout every bite of your soft gingerbread bars.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the applesauce, molasses, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous. This creates the luscious base that will soak into the dry mix and lead to that tender, moist result.
Step 4: Combine and Stir Carefully
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry, folding them together gently. Be careful not to overmix here; a light hand keeps the bars tender, avoiding toughness. You want the ingredients just joined, so every bar stays beautifully soft.
Step 5: Transfer and Add Toppings
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula. This is the moment to sprinkle white chocolate chips or chopped pecans on top if you’re using them, adding an extra layer of flavor and fun texture.
Step 6: Bake and Check for Doneness
Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes. The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures they are perfectly set yet still soft and chewy.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely right in the pan. Cooling lets them firm up enough to slice into 12 bars without crumbling. Once cooled, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy a mouthful of gingerbread bliss.
How to Serve Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delightful on their own, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm vanilla glaze can add a lovely finishing touch. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside turns them into an even more indulgent dessert experience.
Side Dishes
Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a spiced latte. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside cinnamon-spiced fruit compote or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance their rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, stack a few bars on a pretty plate and decorate with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a holiday feel. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on cocktail sticks for an easy party treat that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them over several days without losing their wonderful texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen gingerbread bars maintain their taste and softness for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and melty toppings perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar or brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar, but it may slightly affect the moistness and richness of the bars. Brown sugar or coconut sugar adds a deeper flavor that complements the gingerbread spices beautifully.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio for a gluten-free option, though texture may vary slightly.
What if I don’t have molasses—can I substitute it?
Molasses is key to that classic gingerbread flavor and dark color, but if you don’t have it, you could try using dark corn syrup mixed with a bit of brown sugar, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! Use coconut oil instead of butter and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly (some sugars are processed with bone char). The applesauce replaces eggs, so this recipe is mostly vegan-friendly as is.
Why are my bars too dry sometimes?
Overbaking or overmixing can cause dryness. Stick to the baking time and check early for doneness, and mix the batter just until combined for the softest bars.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe enough if you want an easy, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s a recipe that invites sharing, warm smiles, and that cozy feeling of home. Give it a try and watch how quickly these bars become a beloved staple in your baking rotation!
Print
Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies, offering a moist and chewy texture with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Sweetened naturally with molasses and coconut sugar, and enriched with coconut oil and applesauce, these bars are perfect for a cozy dessert or snack, topped optionally with white chocolate chips or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/3 cup coconut oil or butter, melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour base.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, molasses, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), melted coconut oil (or butter), and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Prepare Batter in Pan and Add Topping: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle white chocolate chips or chopped pecans evenly over the top to add extra flavor and texture.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 12 equal bars and serve.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and skip white chocolate chips or choose dairy-free alternatives.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the ground ginger or add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- Feel free to substitute the optional toppings with your favorite nuts or dark chocolate chunks.
