Simple Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These simple gingerbread brownies offer a perfect blend of warm spices and rich molasses flavor in a soft, chewy bar. They are easy to make and great for holiday treats or cozy snacks any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until smooth. Add the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Using room temperature eggs helps the batter blend evenly.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until well combined for even flavor distribution.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth but without overmixing. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set and the center is mostly firm. If using a 9×13-inch pan, reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick—when it comes out mostly clean, the brownies are ready.
6. Step 6: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove them and dust generously with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
• Try folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• If you prefer a fudgier texture, slightly reduce the flour to 2 cups.
• Use dark molasses for a more intense, robust flavor.

Storage

Store the gingerbread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 1 week. To enjoy warm brownies, reheat briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached, indicating the brownies are baked through but still moist inside.

Simple Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

These Simple Gingerbread Brownies combine the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the fudgy texture of brownies, making a perfect treat for the holiday season or any cozy occasion. Featuring a blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and brown sugar, these bars are moist, flavorful, and easy to bake in one pan.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies (cut into 2-inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

For Serving

• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal. Set aside while making the batter.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar until smooth. Add in the room temperature eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract, stirring until fully combined and even.
3. Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
4. Mix Batter and Prepare for Baking: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and combined without overmixing. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. For a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Cool, Dust, and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, remove and dust generously with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into squares and serve your delicious gingerbread brownies.

Notes

• Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help create a smooth batter.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies tender.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
• If you prefer a glossier finish, brush the top with a little melted butter before baking.
• These brownies keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: gingerbread brownies, holiday brownies, ginger molasses bars, spiced dessert bars