Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• For the gingerbread bars:
  • 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon gingerbread spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt
  • 6 tablespoons molasses
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the frosting:
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • pinch of table salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, gingerbread spice, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium-low until it is just melted. Incorporate the molasses and brown sugar into the butter mixture. Add egg and vanilla then whisk until the mixture is shiny!
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is smooth/combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake the bars for about 20 to 25 minutes!
5. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely.
6. For the frosting, sift the confectioners’ sugar and salt into a large bowl and then add the butter. Beat with a rubber spatula until the a thick paste forms. Add the milk and beat until frosting is smooth and spreadable!
7. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars. You can also add toppings such as Christmas sprinkles or gingerbread spice! Enjoy.