Gingerbread Blondie Bars Recipe

There’s something magical about diving into a thick, chewy treat that wraps you in the warmth of the holidays without any fuss. These Gingerbread Blondie Bars are exactly that—the perfect blend of molasses sweetness and cozy spices like cinnamon and ginger that make every bite a delightful hug. They sit charmingly between a cookie and a cake, offering the best of both worlds in an easy-to-make baked good that’s bound to become your new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating the perfect texture and flavor of the Gingerbread Blondie Bars. Each one plays a role in building that moist, chewy base infused with festive spice that’s unmistakably comforting.

• Butter, ½ cup melted: Provides richness and a tender crumb, ensuring your bars stay moist.
• Brown sugar, ¾ cup: Adds deep caramel notes and chewiness, complementing the molasses perfectly.
• Egg, 1 large: Binds the ingredients together and helps with the structure.
• Molasses, ¼ cup: The heart of the gingerbread flavor, giving it that unmistakable robust sweetness and moisture.
• Ginger, 1 tsp: Delivers that warm, slightly spicy kick essential for true gingerbread taste.
• Cinnamon, 1 tsp: Adds complexity and warmth, rounding out the spice profile.
• Flour, 1 ¼ cups: Forms the foundation of the bars, creating a sturdy yet tender bite.
• Baking powder, ½ tsp: Gives a subtle lift, keeping the bars soft instead of dense or heavy.

How to Make Gingerbread Blondie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to give your blondies a beautiful rise and golden edges. While it warms up, grease or line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and molasses until the mixture is silky smooth and well combined. This blend sets the tone for the bars’ gorgeous texture, balancing richness with sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, ginger, and cinnamon. These spices are what make these blondies unique and irresistibly festive, so don’t skip them!

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until the batter comes together. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the bars tender and soft, rather than tough.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes. The bars should be set at the edges but still slightly soft in the center, which gives them that perfect chewy texture when cooled.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Allow your Gingerbread Blondie Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step helps the bars firm up nicely, resulting in clean, beautiful pieces that hold together perfectly.

How to Serve Gingerbread Blondie Bars

Garnishes

These bars are delightful on their own, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of white chocolate can elevate their presentation. For a cozy touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon to echo the spices inside.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of chai tea to amplify the comforting spices. They also pair wonderfully with hot coffee or a rich hot chocolate for an indulgent treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, cut the Gingerbread Blondie Bars into bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter sprinkled with crushed ginger snaps or candied ginger pieces. You can also assemble them as layered dessert bars with cream cheese frosting for an extra special holiday dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, ready for a quick snack or dessert anytime.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save extras, these Gingerbread Blondie Bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, simply microwave a bar for 15-20 seconds or pop it in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. The heat enhances their chewy texture and releases the lovely aromas of the spices.

FAQs

Can I substitute molasses with something else?

Molasses is key to achieving the authentic gingerbread flavor and moist texture, but if unavailable, dark corn syrup or maple syrup can be used as a substitute, though the taste will be milder.

Are these bars gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so they’re not gluten-free by default. However, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dark chocolate chips make fantastic add-ins that add texture and deepen the flavors of these bars.

How can I make the bars more cakey?

To get a cakier texture, try substituting the baking powder with baking soda and add a teaspoon of yogurt or buttermilk to the wet ingredients for some extra moisture and tenderness.

What’s the best pan size for these blondies?

A 9×9-inch square baking pan works perfectly for achieving the ideal thickness and baking time for these bars.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures cozy flavors without complicated steps, these Gingerbread Blondie Bars should be your go-to recipe. They bring together the nostalgic warmth of gingerbread in a chewy, satisfying form that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple you’ll want to bake over and over.