Irresistible Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

When the aroma of warm spices waft through your kitchen, you know something magical is about to happen. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, chewy bar that perfectly balances the nutty essence of brown butter with the warm spiciness of gingerbread. These Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Bars aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience that brings back cozy memories of holiday gatherings and baking marathons with family.

Every bite is like a hug from Grandma, reminding you of winter nights spent by the fireplace while snowflakes dance outside. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or just a Tuesday afternoon craving, these bars promise to elevate any moment with their delightful flavors and comforting warmth.

Gathering around the table, my friends squealed in delight as they tasted these bars for the first time—definitely a memory I cherish.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in your cookie bars better.

• Brown Sugar: The darker the sugar, the richer the flavor; opt for dark brown sugar if you can.

• Granulated Sugar: A bit of granulated sugar balances out the sweetness and contributes to texture.

• Eggs: Use large eggs for proper binding and moisture; they help create that chewy texture we all love.

• All-Purpose Flour: Be sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement; this prevents dense cookie bars.

• Ground Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a nice kick; however, ground ginger works perfectly if that’s what you’ve got.

• Cinnamon: Adding cinnamon boosts warmth and depth; it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket.

• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leaveners ensure your cookie bars rise beautifully and have that perfect texture.

• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness—don’t skip it!

• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Optional but highly recommended; it makes everything look extra fancy.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Start by browning your butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup (two sticks) of unsalted butter. Stir frequently until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Next comes mixing: In a large bowl, combine both sugars—1 cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Pour in your browned butter while it’s still warm. Whisk together until everything is nicely blended.

Add eggs: Crack in two large eggs and add one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy—this will make your batter irresistible!

Incorporate dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into your wet ingredients until well combined.

Spread into pan: Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour in your delicious batter and spread evenly using a spatula.

Bake it up: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while allowing your batter to settle for about 10 minutes before popping it into the oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until you see golden edges forming.

Cool down: Once baked, let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before dusting them lightly with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy!

These Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion where you want something sweet yet comforting! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature—either way will have everyone coming back for more!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the butter until golden and nutty, then mix in your dry ingredients for an even blend. This sequence ensures you capture all those rich flavors before baking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in dark brown sugar for deeper flavor or add chopped nuts for crunch. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the bars to gourmet status.

Storing & Reheating

Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For that fresh-baked taste, reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.

Creating my first batch of Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Bars felt like hosting a holiday party in my kitchen. The aroma wafted through my home, making me feel instantly festive as friends gathered around, raving about how they tasted just like Christmas!

FAQ

Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?

Using regular butter will lack the nutty flavor that brown butter provides.

How long do these cookie bars last?

Stored properly, they can last up to one week without losing freshness.

Can I freeze Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Yes, wrap them well and freeze for up to three months for later enjoyment.

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Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Brown Butter Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the rich nuttiness of brown butter with the warm spices of gingerbread. These chewy bars evoke cozy memories of winter nights and festive gatherings, making them perfect for any occasion. Their golden-brown appearance is as inviting as their flavors, ensuring they will be a hit whether served at celebrations or enjoyed with your morning coffee.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until golden and nutty (5-7 minutes).
2. In a large bowl, mix brown sugar and granulated sugar, then whisk in the warm browned butter.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (40g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg