Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

 These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are soft and chewy and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting. Whip up a batch this holiday season!

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE COOKIE BARS

•  3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
•  1 cup light brown sugar, packed
•  1 large egg
•  1/4 cup molasses
•  2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
•  2 teaspoons baking soda
•  1 teaspoon cinnamon
•  1 teaspoon ground ginger
•  1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
•  1/4 teaspoon salt

FOR THE FROSTING

•  1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
•  8 oz cream cheese, softened
•  3 cups powdered sugar
•  1 tsp vanilla extract
•  sprinkles, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Line 13 x 9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Combine butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat together until fluffy. Add in the egg and beat until smooth. Add in the molasses and beat until well combined.
3. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt and mix until combined.
4. Press cookie dough into baking dish and bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.
5. For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese for 4 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla and beat an additional 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
6. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Add sprinkles and enjoy.
7. Store in airtight container for up to one week.