Chewy Gingerbread Bars

If you are looking for a SimpleHolidayRecipeOfWonder, I would like you to meet these Chewy Gingerbread Bars. They taste just like a gingerbread cookie…but thicker and chewier and just so dar…

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

for the frosting-

• 4 oz. cream cheese softened
• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Line 12.25” x 8.75” x 1” jelly roll pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Stir in egg, vanilla and molasses. Whip 1-2 minutes or until it turns a light brown color. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix until dry ingredients are just combined. Press into prepared pan and bake 20-22 minutes or until edges are barely starting to brown. Cool completely.
4. For the frosting- whip all ingredients together until smooth. Spread overtop bars and cut into squares. Serve immediately or store in air tight container.
5. *if you don't have a small jellyroll pan, you can use a glass 8x8 dish, just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.*