Indulge in the rich flavors of caramel and gingerbread with these indulgent Cookie Bars, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests at any holiday gathering. This delectable recipe combines the warmth of gingerbread spices with the creamy delight of caramel for a heavenly dessert experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or newcomer to the kitchen, these cookie bars are simple to make and sure to become a favorite your family will request year after year.
Every holiday season, we gather as a family and embark on our annual baking extravaganza. This particular recipe has a special place in our hearts, initially discovered in an old family cookbook passed down from my grandmother. This traditional recipe was a cherished find, her hand-written notes scattered across the pages. Our kitchen would fill with laughter and the aroma of spices and caramel, a testament to the joy baking always brings to our home. It’s these moments we treasure, knowing the legacy of flavor and love is curated in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out not only for its delightful combination of flavors but also for its versatility. The caramel gingerbread cookie bars balance the robust warmth of gingerbread spices with the smooth richness of caramel, making them a treat for all taste buds. The recipe is straightforward to follow, requiring nothing more than a few common baking ingredients and basic equipment. Even better, you can adjust the recipe to cater to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy these homemade treats. Plus, they make a great addition to any festive dessert table or as a homemade gift that is sure to impress.
Ingredients Notes
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success. You’ll need the basics like flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and an arsenal of spices including ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that create that classic gingerbread flavor. For the caramel component, store-bought caramel candies or homemade caramel sauce both work beautifully. Opt for unsalted butter to control the salt content yourself and premium Vanilla Extract keeps all elements tied together. If sourcing ingredients such as molasses poses a challenge, consider substituting with a blend of honey and dark corn syrup to achieve similar flavor profiles.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a baking dish with parchment paper. This prevents the bars from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth process.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses, blending well after each addition. This base will create a rich, caramel-like flavor foundation for your cookie bars.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Gradually incorporate the dry mix into the wet ingredients until fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl to mix evenly.
Step 4
Transfer half of the dough into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle an even layer of caramel candies or drizzle caramel sauce over the dough layer. Cover this with the remaining dough, spreading carefully.
Step 5
Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. To achieve precision cuts, chill them in the fridge briefly.
Storage Options
Once cooled, these cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their chewy texture and delightful flavors. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, then placing them in a zip-top plastic bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let the bars thaw at room temperature and warm slightly for that just-baked feel. Reheating them in the oven for a few minutes can restore their fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to adjust this recipe to cater to specific dietary needs. For gluten-free cookie bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. For a healthier twist, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar and homemade date caramel or almond milk caramel can serve as alternatives to regular caramel. Additionally, if you’re looking for a nutty flavor profile, consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and depth of flavor. These bars are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Serving Suggestions
These cookie bars make a fantastic addition to holiday festivities, served as part of a dessert platter featuring a variety of seasonal treats. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea, enhancing their warming qualities. Alternatively, serve them a la mode with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream for an indulgent after-dinner dessert. If you’re hosting a party, plate them on a festive tray with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that will tempt guests throughout the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it, making it easier to manage when you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it hardens too much in the cold, allowing you to spread it more easily in your baking dish.
How do I prevent the bars from being too gooey? The key to ensuring your bars set correctly is to track your baking time closely. Bake them until the edges are just golden, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Testing the center with a toothpick should return mostly clean results, with minimal wetness as a gooey center is just its charm.
Can these cookie bars be made vegan? Absolutely! Substitute the butter with your favorite vegan alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) in place of a regular egg, and be sure to choose vegan caramel options available at specialized grocery stores or prepare your own using coconut milk and sugar.
These caramel gingerbread cookie bars are more than just a dessert; they encapsulate the joy of baking and sharing that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether part of your holiday traditions or simply an everyday treat, their blend of flavors is sure to bring warmth and happiness to your household, creating memories that last long after the last bite is gone. Enjoy every moment of making these bars and savor the compliments to come.
Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup caramel bits
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, ginger, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel bits, then spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before cutting into bars.
