Gingerbread Brownies

I have always loved the warm, comforting aroma of gingerbread baking in the kitchen, especially as the holidays approach. There’s something magical about the combination of spices, sweetness, and a touch of molasses that instantly brings back cozy memories. When I first experimented with combining the classic flavors of gingerbread with the rich, dense texture of brownies, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. These Gingerbread Brownies are the perfect treat when you want a dessert that is both festive and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with these brownies because they perfectly balance the deep, chewy richness of a traditional brownie with the warm, spicy notes of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Every bite gives you that comforting, slightly sweet spice that makes gingerbread a holiday favorite. They are moist, soft in the center, and slightly crisp around the edges, offering a texture that brownie lovers and gingerbread enthusiasts alike will adore.

Versatile
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve these brownies on their own as a delightful afternoon snack, dust them with confectioners’ sugar for an elegant dessert, or even cut them into small squares for a festive party platter. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The rich, spicy flavor profile makes them suitable for any occasion, not just during the holidays.

Budget-Friendly
Another reason I enjoy making these brownies is how budget-friendly they are. All the ingredients are common pantry staples—flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and spices—so you don’t need to buy anything extravagant. Despite their luxurious taste, these brownies won’t break the bank, making them perfect for everyday treats or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Brownies
For this recipe, you’ll need unsalted butter, light brown sugar, eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract for the base. The spice blend is simple but essential: ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. Finally, all-purpose flour binds everything together to create the dense, chewy texture we all crave. And for a finishing touch, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

How to Make These Gingerbread Brownies

I love how simple this recipe is, yet how impressive the results are. Making Gingerbread Brownies is truly a joy because you get that comforting aroma while the brownies bake and the satisfaction of a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Let me walk you through the process step by step so you can recreate these chewy, flavorful treats perfectly every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Gingerbread Brownies

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
   First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This ensures your brownies won’t stick, and cleanup is effortless.

2. Combine Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted unsalted butter. Add the light brown sugar, and stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sugar should begin to dissolve into the butter slightly, giving the batter a silky texture.

3. Add Eggs, Molasses, and Vanilla
   Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the molasses and vanilla extract. These ingredients give the brownies their signature warm, spiced flavor, so don’t skip this step.

4. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisking ensures that the spices are evenly distributed, which prevents any clumps of cinnamon or ginger in your brownies.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually stir the flour and spice mixture into the butter and egg mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the brownies tough instead of chewy.

6. Spread the Batter and Bake
   Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes if using a 9×9-inch pan. For a 9×13-inch pan, reduce the baking time to 25–30 minutes. The edges should look set, and the center should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

7. Cool and Serve
   Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because it lets the brownies set and makes them easier to cut. Before serving, dust the top lightly with confectioners’ sugar for a festive touch. Then, cut into squares and enjoy!

Quick and Easy

Even though these brownies are full of flavor, they come together quickly. From start to finish, it takes about 40 minutes, including prep and baking time. You can have a tray of decadent, spiced brownies ready in less than an hour, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or holiday gatherings.

Customizable

What I love most is that this recipe is highly adaptable. You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirl in some cream cheese for a richer texture. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the ginger slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg. You can also adjust the sweetness by using more or less brown sugar according to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing

These Gingerbread Brownies are always a hit. They appeal to both chocolate lovers and those who enjoy a warming, spiced dessert. Serve them at a holiday party, a family gathering, or even as a simple treat with afternoon tea. The chewy texture, combined with the rich gingerbread flavor, ensures everyone will ask for seconds.

FAQs About Gingerbread Brownies

1. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Gingerbread Brownies can be baked a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay moist and flavorful. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.

2. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor. White granulated sugar can also be used, but the brownies may be slightly less moist and have a milder taste.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
You can! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain the chewy texture.

4. How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the pan. The center should not jiggle when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy, moist texture.

5. Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. Add more ground ginger or a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth, or reduce the spices if you prefer a milder flavor.

6. Can I add mix-ins?
Yes! Chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of cream cheese can enhance the flavor and texture.

Gingerbread Brownies

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These Gingerbread Brownies combine the rich, chewy texture of classic brownies with the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread. Perfect for holidays or any cozy dessert craving, they are easy to make, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 brownies 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tablespoons molasses

• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free)

• 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, stirring until smooth.

• Mix in eggs, molasses, and Vanilla Extract (Alcohol-Free) until fully combined.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth. Avoid overmixing.

• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

• Bake for 30–35 minutes (9×9-inch) or 25–30 minutes (9×13-inch) until edges are set and the center no longer jiggles.

• Cool completely, dust with confectioners’ sugar, cut, and serve.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

• Adjust spices to taste.

• Use room-temperature eggs for better batter consistency.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Author: Layla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes