Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are the ultimate winter treat that bring back so many cherished memories for me. Growing up, my grandma would bake these every Christmas, and the aroma of warm ginger and molasses would fill the entire house. I can still picture myself sneaking a warm, fudgy square straight from the oven, the rich chocolate and spices melting in my mouth. Those moments of pure indulgence and comfort are what the holidays are all about.
That’s why this Frosted Gingerbread Brownies recipe has become a staple in my own kitchen, and I know it’ll do the same for you. With just 45 minutes from start to finish and only 12 servings, it’s the perfect easy yet impressive dessert to whip up for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in. And the combination of chewy, spiced brownies and silky cream cheese frosting is simply unbeatable.
Table of Contents
Why This Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
What makes this Frosted Gingerbread Brownies recipe so special is the unique blend of classic holiday flavors. The key is the combination of rich, dark molasses and warm, fragrant spices like ginger and cinnamon. These flavors create a depth and complexity that elevates classic brownies into something truly crave-worthy.
But the real secret is in the frosting. The addition of cream cheese gives it an indulgent, velvety texture that perfectly balances the intensity of the gingerbread. And the heavy cream makes it extra smooth and creamy. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: The butter provides richness and moisture to the brownies. Using melted butter creates a fudgy, dense texture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The sugar not only sweetens the brownies but also helps create that signature crackly top.
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses: Molasses is the star of the show, lending its bold, earthy flavor and deep color.
- 2 large eggs: The eggs act as the binder, holding the brownies together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Flour provides structure and substance to the brownies.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: These warm spices are essential for that classic gingerbread flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt: The baking powder gives the brownies a slight lift, while the salt enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 4 ounces cream cheese (softened), and 2 tablespoons heavy cream: These ingredients come together to create the silky, creamy frosting that takes these brownies to the next level.
Step-by-Step Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Instructions
Preparing Your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies come together quickly, making them the perfect last-minute holiday dessert. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, a medium-sized mixing bowl, and a hand mixer or stand mixer for the frosting.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and molasses until well combined.
2- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, sift in the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting. The top should have a nice crackly texture, and the center should be fudgy and moist.
5- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and heavy cream, beating until light and fluffy.
6- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies, then cut into 12 equal squares and serve. These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but they’re also delicious chilled.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the chewiest, fudgiest brownies, be careful not to overbake them. Keep a close eye on the oven and start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help them incorporate more easily and result in a smoother batter and frosting.
- To get that perfect crackly top, be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting. Trying to frost them while they’re still warm will result in a mess.
- For the creamiest frosting, be sure to use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. Low-fat versions won’t have the same rich, velvety texture.
Serving and Storing Your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
Perfect Pairings for Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are the ultimate holiday indulgence, serving 12 people. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them the perfect afternoon treat. For a festive touch, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
They also make a wonderful dessert for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or Christmas parties. The rich, spiced flavors and creamy frosting are sure to be a hit with any crowd.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the desired number of squares on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 20-second intervals until warmed through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
You can also prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it separately in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the cooled brownies.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
Creative Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Variations
- Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch.
- Swirl in a layer of raspberry or cherry jam for a festive pop of color and flavor.
- Top the frosted brownies with crushed peppermint candies or a drizzle of white chocolate for a minty twist.
- For a boozy version, stir in a tablespoon or two of brandy or rum to the batter.
Making Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Diet-Friendly
To make these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and replace the eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce. You can also make the frosting with coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
If you’re watching your carbs, try using a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit in place of the granulated sugar. Just be sure to adjust the measurements as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of molasses instead of unsulfured?
A: While you can experiment with other molasses varieties, unsulfured molasses is the best choice for this recipe. It has a milder, less bitter flavor that complements the gingerbread perfectly.
Q: How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
A: The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should have a nice, crackly crust, and the center should be fudgy and set.
Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the brownies up to 5 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Wait to frost them until right before serving for the best texture.
Q: How many people will this recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes 12 servings of Frosted Gingerbread Brownies, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Q: What should I do if the brownies come out dry or crumbly?
A: If the brownies turn out dry, it’s likely due to overbaking. Next time, check them a few minutes early and pull them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. You can also try reducing the baking temperature slightly.
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies – a quick and easy holiday dessert that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Rich, fudgy brownies are infused with the aromatic notes of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, then topped with a creamy, silky frosting for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and molasses until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
6. In a medium bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
7. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality molasses and ground spices. Sprinkle the frosted brownies with a dusting of additional confectioners’ sugar or crushed ginger cookies for extra holiday flair.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are the ultimate holiday dessert – rich, fudgy, and bursting with warm spices. This easy recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute treat to whip up for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
The secret is in the unique blend of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, which gives these brownies incredible depth of flavor. And the silky cream cheese frosting takes them to new heights of decadence. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking! I can’t wait to hear how your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies turn out. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know. Enjoy!
