Does the gingerbread batter need to be chilled before baking?

Nope! No chilling time is required for this recipe.

How do you store gingerbread cookie bars?

Since the cream cheese frosting has dairy in it, I recommend storing them in the fridge in an air-tight container. Since there's so much moisture in them, storing in the fridge is ideal!

Can you freeze gingerbread cookie bars?

Absolutely! I suggest waiting to frost them until you're ready to eat them. Freeze them unfrosted in an air-tight container for up to 2 months.

Can you use all ground ginger instead of fresh and ground?

Definitely! I would use 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger if you aren't going to use any fresh ginger.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars - The Perfect Pear

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Gingerbread cookie bars are a festive and delicious treat. They're even better when they have fiber and protein like these bars! With some secret ingredients, I improved the nutrition profile of these amazing gingerbread cookie bars without compromising on taste and flavor!

Author: Lauren
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Category: Dessert, Festive
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the cookie bars

1-15oz can (248g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup (115g) low-fat milk
1/3 cup (103g) almond butter
1/4 cup (31g) almond flour
3 Tbsp (79g) blackstrap molasses
6 dates (110g)
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder

For the frosting

6oz (152g) full-fat cream cheese
1/3 cup (93g) fat-free vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

For the cookie bars

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8x8" baking dish with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Add all cookie bar ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend on high until full mixed. Be sure to scrape the sides to ensure everything is mixed!
Transfer batter to baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes.

For the frosting

While bars cool, place cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl or stand mixer. Using hand or stand mixer, whip ingredients until light and fluffy. Scrape sides of bowl to ensure even mixing!
When bars are completely cool, frost.
Enjoy!

Notes

Store bars in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze bars unfrosted in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 2 months (frost right before enjoying once thawed!).
Top with festive holiday sprinkles or gingerbread man cookies!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 234
Sugar: 15
Sodium: 369
Fat: 13
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 2
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 24
Fiber: 3
Protein: 7
Cholesterol: 20

Find it online: https://the-perfect-pear.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars/