Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars: 16 Irresistible Treats

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat that I look forward to every holiday season. These delightful bars combine the rich, warm spices of gingerbread with a luscious caramel center and white chocolate chips, creating a texture that is both chewy and gooey. Perfect for sharing during family gatherings or cozy nights at home, these bars will elevate any occasion into a celebration. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookie bars!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars are not just any dessert; they offer a unique blend of flavors and textures that make them stand out. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Irresistible gooey caramel center.
Warm spices that fill your kitchen with a festive aroma.
Rich white chocolate chips add sweetness and creaminess.
Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Great as a delightful gift for friends and family.
These bars can be served warm or cold, satisfying any craving.

With this easy caramel gingerbread dessert recipe, you will be the star of your holiday parties! Plus, the spiced gingerbread bars are suitable for vegetarians, making them a versatile choice for any guest.

Ingredients for Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

115 g unsalted butter
190 g dark brown soft sugar
1 medium egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
275 g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp cornflour
1.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
300 g white chocolate chips
200 g caramel
Extra sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

How to Make Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190ºC (170ºC fan). Line a 9×9 inch square baking tin with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the unsalted butter, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the dark brown soft sugar and whisk vigorously for two minutes until well combined and slightly fluffy.
Step 3: Incorporate the medium egg and vanilla extract into the bowl, whisking again until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, sea salt, cornflour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring to form a thick cookie dough.
Step 5: Fold the white chocolate chips into the dough evenly with a spatula or spoon.
Step 6: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×9 inch tin, using a lightly floured spatula for easier spreading.
Step 7: Spread the caramel evenly over the base cookie dough layer, leaving a small gap around the edges. For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle extra sea salt flakes on top of the caramel.
Step 8: Carefully place the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer. It’s easier to add it in small lumps to avoid disturbing the caramel.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. Baking for about 19 minutes yields a nicely gooey texture.
Step 10: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the tin to set properly before slicing into squares and serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep!
For added flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate or caramel on top before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These delectable bars can be enjoyed in several delightful ways:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
These bars make great festive gifts, wrapped in holiday-themed packaging.

How to Store and Reheat Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

To store your cookie bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven taste!

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

What is a caramel gingerbread cookie bar?

A caramel gingerbread cookie bar is a delicious dessert that combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with a soft, chewy texture and a gooey caramel center, making it a festive treat perfect for the holidays.

Can I make caramel gingerbread cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these bars ahead of time! They store well in an airtight container and are perfect for making in advance for holiday gatherings.

How do I avoid common mistakes with caramel gingerbread cookie bars?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This will help maintain their structure and gooey texture.

Variations of Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try:

Add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries for a festive touch.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a richer flavor.

These variations can elevate your homemade gingerbread cookie bars with caramel into something truly unique!

Irresistible Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars fresh from the oven on a cooling rack

For more festive recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Honey Roasted Root Vegetables for a delightful side dish!

Delicious Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars with a gooey caramel center

For more dessert ideas, consider trying our Pumpkin Spice Brownies or School Snack Crunchwrap Recipe!