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–+ servings
A single whole wheat gingerbread bar with powdered sugar on a white plate
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Whole wheat gingerbread cookie bars

Whole wheat gingerbread cookie bars are soft and chewy and full of warm spices. They're perfect for the holidays!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Total Time37 minutes
Yield: 12 cookie bars

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For serving:

  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 8x8 inch pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, beat together butter and both sugars. (You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer or just a fork.) Add vanilla, molasses and egg and mix well.
  • Add the flour and remaining ingredients and stir until just combined.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and spread the batter out to the sides of the pan in an even layer. (It won’t look like much but these rise a lot.)
  • Bake at 350 for 22-25 minutes. Be careful not to overtake these.
  • Let cool then cut into squares or bars. Top with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Notes

These can be stored in a covered container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
I use white whole wheat flour in my baking but you can substitute all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio if that’s what you use.
I’ve written the recipe with all butter, but I have made these before with ¼ cup butter and ¼ cup applesauce and that works too, if you want a lightened up version.
The bars come out of the oven super puffy but the middle will fall as they cool. Not to worry - that’s normal. And it gives you some super delicious crusty edges!
I like my gingerbread bars sprinkled with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. You could also do a cream cheese frosting if you prefer. Or both!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie bar | Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 312mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 32g
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