Name: Gingerbread Blondies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-482385H26M53S
Total time: PT-482385H26M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional); 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp allspice; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ease of Preparation: Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies that require rolling and cutting, these blondies come together quickly in a single pan.
Rich Flavor: The combination of molasses, brown sugar, and spices provides a deep, festive flavor reminiscent of classic gingerbread.
Perfect Texture: These blondies are chewy with a slightly gooey center, offering a satisfying bite.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a special treat for Santa, these blondies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Brown sugar
Molasses
Egg, at room temperature
Vanilla extract
Fresh grated ginger (optional)
All-purpose flour
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Allspice
Ground cloves
Baking powder
Salt

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

Unsalted butter, at room temperature
Cream cheese, at room temperature
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Salt
Ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and fresh grated ginger (if using), and mix until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice, ground cloves, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly gooey.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: While the blondies cool, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue beating until fluffy.
Frost and Serve: Once the blondies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing over the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Slice into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Yield: Approximately 16 blondies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 to 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 to 40 minutes

Variations

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.
Add-Ins: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap individual blondies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave a blondie for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

What is the texture of these gingerbread blondies?

These blondies are chewy with a slightly gooey center, offering a delightful contrast to traditional gingerbread cookies.

Can I make these blondies ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Is fresh ginger necessary for this recipe?

Fresh grated ginger is optional but adds a vibrant flavor. Ground ginger alone will still provide excellent taste.

Can I omit the cream cheese icing?

Certainly, the blondies are delicious on their own, but the icing adds a creamy sweetness that complements the spices.

How do I know when the blondies are done baking?

The edges should be set, and the center should be slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.

What type of molasses should I use?

Unsulphured molasses is recommended for its mild, sweet flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which is more bitter.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Are these blondies suitable for freezing?

Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Can I add other spices to the recipe?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to customize the flavor profile.