Gingerbread Cookie Bars

What you need:

For the bars:

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
    • 1/3 cup molasses
    • 1 egg
    • 2 tsp. baking soda
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
    • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
    • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
    • 1/2 tsp. salt

For the frosting:

    • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
    • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 3 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

    1. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
    2. In a stand mixer, cream together butter, sugars, vanilla, and molasses.
    3. Add egg and stir until combined.
    4. Add baking soda, flour, and spice and mix until well combined.
    5. Press dough into the bottom of the baking pan.
    6. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes and then let cool.
    7. Once cool, make frosting by creaming together butter and cream cheese.
    8. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until creamy and smooth.
    9. Spread frosting onto the bars and sprinkle with spices if desired. I used my gingerbread spice mix.
    10. Cut into squares and serve. Refrigerate leftovers.

Recipe from Chef in Training