Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Festive Delight

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Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of festive flavors, combining warm spices with a luscious caramel center and white chocolate chips. These delightful bars are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. The gooey texture and rich flavor make them irresistible, ensuring they’ll become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy dessert at home, these bars are a fantastic choice!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars offer an array of benefits that make them a must-try. First, they combine the classic flavors of gingerbread with the indulgence of caramel, creating a unique dessert experience. You’ll appreciate their chewy texture, which makes them perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Additionally, these bars are an easy caramel gingerbread cookie recipe that requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. They are also vegetarian, making them suitable for a broader audience. When you serve these festive caramel gingerbread cookie squares, you’ll see why they are popular during the holiday season!

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 rather than spreading 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.

Delicious caramel gingerbread cookie bars fresh from the oven

Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality caramel for a richer flavor.
Be cautious not to overbake; a gooey texture is key!
For a unique twist, add nuts or dried fruit to the dough.

Best Ways to Serve Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These bars can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, making them perfect for cozy gatherings. For a festive touch, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

To store your leftover cookie bars, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. These bars are also great for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment!

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars

What is a caramel gingerbread cookie bar?

A caramel gingerbread cookie bar is a dessert that combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with a gooey caramel center and white chocolate chips. They are soft and chewy, making them a delightful treat.

Can I make caramel gingerbread cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They taste great even after a few days, making them ideal for holiday baking plans.

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

To avoid mistakes, make sure not to overmix the dough and keep an eye on the baking time to ensure they remain chewy. Always let them cool completely before slicing!

Variations of Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Bars You Can Try

For a different flavor profile, consider adding spices like clove or allspice for a more robust gingerbread taste. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or milk chocolate chips. For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough. These variations will keep your caramel-infused gingerbread cookie bars exciting and fresh!

Ingredients for caramel gingerbread cookie bars including butter, sugar, and spices

For more delicious recipes, check out our Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken or Holiday Roasted Vegetables Recipe. If you’re interested in desserts, you might enjoy our Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake or Creamy Italian Meatball Soup. For a festive drink, try our 5 Cozy Twists on Holiday Spiced Cafe au Lait.