Gingerbread Brownies

Name: Gingerbread Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tablespoons molasses; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

August 30, 2025

Updated:

August 30, 2025

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Gingerbread Brownies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, dense texture of brownies with the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, these brownies bring comfort and joy in every bite. Their unique blend of spices makes them a standout dessert choice that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a warm, comforting flavor profile that is perfect for the holiday season.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these Gingerbread Brownies in no time.
Versatile Dessert: Whether served at Christmas parties or enjoyed as an everyday treat, these brownies fit any occasion wonderfully.
Chewy and Rich Texture: Enjoy the delightful chewiness that comes from baking these brownies to perfection; they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share with friends or family; they make an excellent gift during the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Gingerbread Brownies, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Having the right items on hand will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish (9×9-inch)
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: Using a 9×9-inch baking dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve the ideal brownie texture.
Parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment makes it easy to remove the brownies without sticking or breaking.
Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate wet and dry ingredients effectively for better mixing results.

Ingredients

For these delicious Gingerbread Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Brownies

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
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)

How to Make Gingerbread Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prepare for the batter.

Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine melted butter and light brown sugar. Stir well until fully integrated.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Mix in the room temperature eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until completely combined.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until edges are set and center is firm. If using a larger pan (9×13-inch), bake for 25-30 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow cooling completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into squares and enjoy!

With only a total time of about 40 minutes from start to finish, you can easily enjoy these Gingerbread Brownies as part of your festive celebrations or any time you crave something sweet!

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies

Gingerbread Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering or simply indulge at home, these brownies can be paired with delightful accompaniments for an enhanced experience.

Warm with Whipped Cream

Top the brownies with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy contrast to their chewy texture.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds a sweet and gooey layer that complements the spices in the gingerbread.

Served à la Mode

Serve your Gingerbread Brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the brownie, creating a deliciously rich dessert.

With Fresh Berries

Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the brownies.

Dusting of Confectioners’ Sugar

A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar on top gives a festive touch and enhances the visual appeal.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Brownies

Perfecting Gingerbread Brownies is all about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some tips to help you master this recipe.

Choose quality ingredients: Using high-quality butter and fresh spices will elevate the overall flavor of your brownies.
Measure accurately: Be precise with your ingredient measurements, especially flour. Too much can make the brownies dry.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain that dense and chewy texture.
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool completely before serving: This helps set the brownies, making them easier to cut and enhancing their flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Brownies

Pairing side dishes with Gingerbread Brownies can turn them into a full dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Spiced Apple Cider
A warm spiced apple cider complements the cozy flavors of gingerbread perfectly.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
This rich beverage adds a festive touch and contrasts nicely with the brownie’s density.
Vanilla Bean Pudding
Creamy vanilla pudding provides an indulgent side that pairs well with ginger flavors.
Caramelized Pears
Sweet, caramelized pears bring brightness and sophistication alongside the rich brownies.
Cream Cheese Frosting Dip
A light dip made from cream cheese frosting offers an extra layer of sweetness for dipping.
Nutty Granola Parfait
Layered granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit create a refreshing contrast to the brownies’ richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Gingerbread Brownies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined for the best texture.
Using cold eggs – Cold eggs can affect the batter’s consistency. Use room temperature eggs for a smoother mix.
Skipping the parchment paper – Not lining the baking dish can make brownies difficult to remove. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
Not checking doneness – Baking time varies by oven. Check with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Underestimating cooling time – Cutting into warm brownies can lead to crumbling. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing Gingerbread Brownies

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating Gingerbread Brownies

Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Microwave – Heat for 15-20 seconds on high. Be careful not to overheat!
Stovetop – Place in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gingerbread Brownies?

Gingerbread Brownies are a delicious twist on classic brownies, combining rich chocolate flavors with warm spices like ginger and cinnamon.

How do I make my Gingerbread Brownies chewier?

To achieve a chewier texture, ensure you don’t overbake them and consider using brown sugar, which retains moisture better than white sugar.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to customize your Gingerbread Brownies by adding walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

How long do Gingerbread Brownies last?

When stored properly, Gingerbread Brownies last up to one week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour; however, this may change the texture slightly. Start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose if unsure.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Brownies blend rich brownie goodness with festive gingerbread flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy customizing them with your favorite add-ins or toppings! Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share the joy of these delightful treats!