It’s that time of year again when the air is crisp, the holidays are in full swing, and the sweet scent of gingerbread wafts through the kitchen. As I stood in my apron, mixing the batter for my famous Frosted Gingerbread Brownies, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the countless memories created around this cherished recipe.
Growing up, it was a tradition for my grandma to bake these melt-in-your-mouth brownies every Christmas. The warmth of the ginger and cinnamon, combined with the rich, fudgy texture, would instantly transport me to a cozy winter wonderland. I remember sneaking bites straight from the pan, giggling as the creamy cream cheese frosting melted on my tongue. Those moments spent in the kitchen, baking alongside my grandma, are some of my most treasured.
Now, as an adult, I find myself recreating that same magic, whipping up batch after batch of Frosted Gingerbread Brownies to share with my loved ones. It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time, a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to bring smiles and warm hearts. Whether it’s a holiday party, a cozy night in, or just because, these brownies always hit the spot.
Why This Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
What sets this Frosted Gingerbread Brownies recipe apart is the perfect balance of spices and the moist, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth. The key lies in the combination of warm, fragrant ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of clove, which elevates the classic brownie and transforms it into a true holiday masterpiece.
The addition of molasses adds a rich, caramelized depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar. And the optional chopped walnuts provide a delightful crunch that perfectly offsets the creamy frosting. But the real secret? The trick is to not overbeat the batter, which can result in a dense, dry texture. Instead, you’ll want to mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, allowing the brownies to maintain their signature fudgy goodness.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation that provides structure and chewiness to the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the brownies rise and maintain their soft, moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger – The star of the show, providing that warm, spicy flavor that makes these brownies so special.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds depth and complexity, complementing the ginger perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – A subtle touch that enhances the overall holiday spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Contributes to the rich, fudgy texture and provides a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Adds caramelized sweetness and moisture to the brownies.
- 1/4 cup molasses – Lends a deep, robust flavor that’s quintessential to gingerbread.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and creates the ideal crumb structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Provides a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
- 1 batch Cream Cheese Frosting – The crowning glory, adding a silky, tangy contrast to the spiced brownies.
Step-by-Step Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Instructions
Preparing Your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies come together in a snap. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and a 9×13-inch baking pan.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt until well combined.
2- In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3- Add the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed. The batter should be smooth and well-blended.
4- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no pockets of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough, dense texture. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
5- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6- Allow the Frosted Gingerbread Brownies to cool completely before topping with the Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into 16 squares and serve, savoring the rich, spiced flavor and the creamy frosting that completes this holiday treat.
Pro Tips for Success
1- Don’t be tempted to use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the entire batter preparation. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense texture. Stick to a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon for the best results.
2- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground allspice or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These spices pair beautifully with the ginger and cinnamon.
3- To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, be sure not to overbake the brownies. Keep a close eye on them in the oven, and use the toothpick test to determine when they’re done.
4- For a prettier presentation, consider drizzling melted white chocolate or sprinkling crushed candied ginger over the top of the frosted brownies.
Serving and Storing Your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
Perfect Pairings for Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are the ultimate holiday treat, serving 16 delightful squares. They pair exceptionally well with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a fragrant cup of spiced chai tea, creating a cozy and indulgent experience.
For a festive gathering, consider serving the brownies alongside a platter of assorted holiday cookies, roasted chestnuts, and a selection of rich, creamy eggnog. The warm, spiced flavors of the gingerbread brownies will complement the other seasonal treats perfectly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To store your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies, let them cool completely, then cut into squares and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
If you’d like to get a head start, you can prepare the brownie batter up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply spread the chilled batter into the prepared pan and follow the baking instructions. The frosting can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
Creative Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Variations
For a festive twist, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter or swirling in a layer of homemade cranberry sauce before baking. You could also experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, in place of the walnuts.
Another delightful variation is to sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate glaze over the top of the frosted brownies for an extra touch of elegance. And for a more intense gingerbread flavor, consider increasing the amount of ground ginger to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Making Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Diet-Friendly
To make these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep a close eye on them in the oven.
For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. You can also swap the eggs for flax or chia “eggs” (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
And for a lower-carb option, consider using a sugar-free brown sugar substitute and omitting the molasses. The ginger and cinnamon flavors will still shine through, and you can top the brownies with a keto-friendly cream cheese frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend?
A: Yes, you can easily make these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies gluten-free by using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep a close eye on them in the oven.
Q: How long do these brownies take to bake?
A: The total baking time for these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies is 30 minutes. This ensures the brownies are moist and fudgy, with a perfectly baked center.
Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Cream Cheese Frosting can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cooled brownies.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Frosted Gingerbread Brownies recipe yields 16 servings. The brownies can be cut into squares and served as individual portions.
Q: What should I do if the brownies come out dry or crumbly?
A: If the brownies turn out dry or crumbly, it’s likely due to overbaking. Next time, be sure to keep a close eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of warm gingerbread and rich, fudgy brownies with this easy-to-make, comforting treat. Perfect for the holidays or any time you need a cozy, decadent dessert.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 batch Cream Cheese Frosting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the molasses, then the eggs one at a time, and the vanilla.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the walnuts, if using.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
7. Spread the Cream Cheese Frosting evenly over the top of the cooled brownies.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving.
Notes
For a more pronounced gingerbread flavor, you can increase the amount of ground ginger to 1 1/2 teaspoons. The walnuts add a nice crunch, but are optional. Be sure to use a high-quality molasses for the best results.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are a true holiday showstopper, blending the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply craving a cozy treat, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
The secret lies in the perfect balance of fragrant spices, the moist, chewy crumb, and the crowning glory of the creamy cream cheese frosting. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven, you can have a batch of these delightful brownies ready to share and savor.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of Frosted Gingerbread Brownies. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for all your holiday baking needs. Enjoy!
