If you love the warm, spicy flavors of the holidays but crave a decadent, chewy treat all year round, Gingerbread Brownies are the answer. These luscious bars marry everything you adore about traditional gingerbread—the molasses-rich depth, the aromatic ginger and cinnamon—with the dense, fudgy texture of a classic brownie. It’s the type of recipe guaranteed to draw everyone into the kitchen, enticed by irresistible scents and the promise of a nostalgic, comforting dessert that’s anything but ordinary.

Gingerbread Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create truly unforgettable Gingerbread Brownies. Each plays an essential role: some add moisture or structure, others infuse deep, wintry flavor, and a couple bring that bakery-perfect, soft crumb. Here’s what you’ll need (and why they matter):

Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Creates a rich, chewy base and delivers that classic brownie texture.
Light brown sugar (1 ½ cups, packed): Sweetens everything while adding a lovely caramel warmth and moisture.
Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Make your brownies tender and help everything hold together—room temp eggs mix more smoothly, too.
Molasses (2 tablespoons): The signature ingredient in all gingerbread, it brings deep color and unmistakable old-fashioned flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the spice and adds a bakery-style aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone—gives these bars their substance and that just-right crumbly texture.
Ground ginger (1 tablespoon): The star spice, giving the brownies their signature sharp, warming bite.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Provides a classic, sweet warmth and balances the ginger perfectly.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps create a bit of lift so your brownies aren’t too dense.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to make all the flavors pop—never skip the salt.
Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting): A pretty, snowy finish that’s as festive as it is delicious.

How to Make Gingerbread Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven gets to temperature, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift out the brownies once they’re baked. This little trick makes for easy removal and perfectly neat slices later.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar. Stir them together thoroughly until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This step ensures your Gingerbread Brownies will have that signature fudgy chew with plenty of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Molasses, and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the molasses for deep color and that unmistakable gingerbread taste, then blend in the vanilla extract to round everything out beautifully.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step evenly distributes the powerful spices and leavening, guaranteeing every bit of brownie is equally spiced and perfectly textured.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the buttery egg mixture. Take your time to ensure there are no streaks of flour and everything is well combined. The batter will be thick and deeply fragrant—just what you want for decadent Gingerbread Brownies.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly. If you use a 9×13-inch pan, start checking for doneness at 25 minutes. Avoid overbaking for the most luscious texture.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let your brownies cool completely in the pan for the cleanest slices. Once cooled, dust the entire surface liberally with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy, sweet finish. Cut into squares and get ready to fall in love.

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies

Garnishes

The classic choice is a gentle flurry of confectioners’ sugar, which adds both style and sweetness. For extra sparkle, try a drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped candied ginger on top of your Gingerbread Brownies. Even a few curls of orange zest can make each piece pop with color and citrusy fragrance.

Side Dishes

Serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or pair them with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for a lighter finish. Warm spiced tea, bold coffee, or even hot cocoa is a delightful drink match, echoing all those ginger, molasses, and brown sugar notes in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive holiday tray, cut Gingerbread Brownies into stars or heart shapes using cookie cutters, and arrange them on a platter with fresh cranberries and sprigs of mint. If you’re serving a crowd, turn them into layered trifles with whipped cream and spiced apples, or stack small brownie squares and secure with a cinnamon stick for a cute party pick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Gingerbread Brownies will stay fresh and luscious for up to four days if you store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen runs warm, keep them in the fridge and let come to room temperature before serving so their texture stays soft and fudgy.

Freezing

If you can resist eating the whole batch, these brownies are freezer-friendly! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their fabulous flavor for up to three months. When you’re craving that cozy spice, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy Gingerbread Brownies warm (who could blame you?), give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or briefly reheat in a low oven. They’re wonderful warm with melting ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use blackstrap molasses instead of regular?

You can use blackstrap, but keep in mind it’s much more robust and less sweet than regular molasses, so your Gingerbread Brownies will have a deeper, more intense flavor and may be a tad less sweet.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio and keep a close eye while baking, as texture and time may vary slightly compared to wheat flour.

What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?

Let your Gingerbread Brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife (wiping it clean between slices) for the neatest edges. For extra precision, chill the brownies in the fridge before cutting.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes! Chocolate chips add gooey richness and pair beautifully with molasses and spice, while toasted walnuts or pecans offer a wonderful crunch. Sprinkle them on top or fold into the batter before baking.

How do I know when my Gingerbread Brownies are done?

The edges should be set and the center just firm—look for a slight pull from the pan’s sides. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking for the fudgiest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for something extra special that brings both nostalgia and excitement to every occasion, you simply have to try these Gingerbread Brownies for yourself. They’re easy enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for any holiday gathering. Go forth and bake—you’re in for a seriously cozy, crowd-pleasing delight!

Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of gingerbread and brownies with this delightful recipe for Gingerbread Brownies. These moist and flavorful treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Instructions

Preheat oven. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
Combine butter and brown sugar. In a large bowl, combine melted butter and packed brown sugar. Stir well.
Mix in eggs, molasses, and vanilla. Add room temperature eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture.
Whisk together dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
Stir flour mixture into butter and egg mixture. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until combined.
Spread batter into pan. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
Allow to cool. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Let the brownies cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar. Cut and enjoy!

Notes

You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra spice.
For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 280
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Gingerbread Brownies, Brownie Recipe, Holiday Desserts