Frosted Peppermint Gingerbread Bars

There’s something magical about the holiday season that makes me want to bake. The warmth of the oven, the scent of spices filling the air, and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones—it’s pure bliss. This year, I decided to create a recipe that combines two of my favorite holiday flavors: gingerbread and peppermint. The result? These Frosted Peppermint Gingerbread Bars. They’re soft, spiced, and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting that’s simply irresistible.

These bars are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or even as a sweet gift for friends and family. The gingerbread base is rich and moist, with just the right amount of warmth from the spices, while the peppermint frosting adds a cool, refreshing contrast. Plus, the crushed candy canes on top give them a festive touch that’s sure to impress. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Molasses: This is the star ingredient that gives the gingerbread its deep, rich flavor. Molasses adds a slightly bittersweet taste and helps keep the bars moist. Make sure to use unsulphured molasses for the best results.

Ground Ginger: Ground ginger is essential for that classic gingerbread flavor. It’s warm, slightly spicy, and pairs perfectly with the other spices in this recipe.

Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a sweet, woody warmth to the bars. It complements the ginger and molasses beautifully, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Ground Cloves: Just a pinch of ground cloves goes a long way. They add a hint of earthiness and depth to the gingerbread, making it taste even more festive.

Butter: Butter is used in both the bars and the frosting. It adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the gingerbread base. For the frosting, it gives a creamy, smooth texture.

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the base of the frosting, providing a tangy contrast to the sweet peppermint flavor. It also makes the frosting incredibly smooth and spreadable.

Peppermint Extract: This is what gives the frosting its refreshing minty flavor. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it.

Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes are used as a garnish, adding a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor. They also make the bars look extra special.

Ingredients List

For the Gingerbread Bars:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
½ cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Peppermint Frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed)
½ cup crushed candy canes (for garnish)

How to Make Frosted Peppermint Gingerbread Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they’re baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top, pressing them gently into the frosting. Cut into squares and serve!

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth batter and frosting.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking can dry them out, so remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Crush Candy Canes Finely: Use a food processor or place the candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This makes them easier to sprinkle evenly.
Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the bars and store them unfrosted for up to 2 days. Add the frosting and candy canes just before serving.

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Freeze the unfrosted bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Fresh ginger has a different flavor profile and moisture content, so it’s best to stick with ground ginger for this recipe.

What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate the bars for 10-15 minutes before adding the frosting.

Enjoy making and sharing these Frosted Peppermint Gingerbread Bars—they’re sure to bring holiday cheer to everyone who tries them!