Gingerbread Brownies offer the perfect blend of rich brownie texture with the comforting flavors of gingerbread. Ideal for festive occasions or whenever you seek a delightful treat, these brownies bring warmth and joy to your dessert table. Their unique combination of spices and sweetness makes them a standout choice for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting taste that everyone will love.
- Chewy Texture: These brownies have a rich, dense chewiness that satisfies any brownie lover’s cravings.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip up a batch in no time.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and share with family and friends, making them great for gatherings or parties.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as is, or top with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools needed for preparing Gingerbread Brownies. This ensures you have everything on hand for success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking, making it easy to remove your brownies from the pan.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Gingerbread Brownies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Brownies
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, (melted)
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, (packed)
- 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- confectioners’ sugar, (for dusting)
How to Make Gingerbread Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This will help ensure easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Use a whisk to stir well until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until edges are firm and center is set. If using a larger pan (9×13-inch), reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before cutting into squares and serving!
How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies
Gingerbread Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply want to indulge in something sweet, these brownies can be served with a variety of accompaniments that enhance their flavor and texture.
With Whipped Cream
- Serve warm brownies topped with freshly whipped cream for a light and creamy contrast to the dense brownie texture.
With Ice Cream
- Pair your gingerbread brownies with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy treat complements the warm spices beautifully.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- A simple dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation, making them perfect for special occasions.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the brownies for an extra layer of rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside slices of pear or apple to add a fresh, fruity element that balances the richness of the brownie.
How to Perfect Gingerbread Brownies
To make sure your Gingerbread Brownies turn out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to come to room temperature for better mixing and smoother batter.
Measure Flour Properly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour, which can lead to dense brownies.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients; overmixing can create tough brownies.
Check Doneness Early: Oven times can vary; check your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely for cleaner cuts and better texture when serving.
Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Brownies
Gingerbread Brownies pair well with many delicious side dishes. Here are some options that will complement their rich flavors perfectly.
Spiced Hot Chocolate – A warm, chocolatey drink infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the cozy vibe of gingerbread flavors.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies – Soft cookies dusted with cinnamon sugar create a delightful mix of textures and flavors alongside your brownies.
Chai Tea – This spiced tea offers warmth and depth that harmonizes wonderfully with the ginger and cinnamon notes in your dessert.
Pumpkin Muffins – Moist pumpkin muffins add a seasonal touch that pairs nicely with the spices found in gingerbread treats.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrasts nicely against the rich brownies; consider using apples or pears.
Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy texture that complements the dense brownie while adding an indulgent flair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes when making Gingerbread Brownies and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the room temperature eggs. Using cold eggs can affect the batter’s consistency. Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately. Baking is precise, and improper measurements can lead to undesirable results. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
- Overmixing the batter. Overmixing can make brownies tough instead of chewy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Ignoring baking time. Every oven is different; relying solely on time can result in underbaked or overbaked brownies. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
- Cutting brownies too soon. Allowing brownies to cool completely helps with cutting clean edges and enhances flavor. Patience pays off!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Gingerbread Brownies last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Gingerbread Brownies
- Wrap brownies individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Gingerbread Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gingerbread Brownies to help you out.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Gingerbread Brownies?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly, making it denser.
How do I add more spice to my Gingerbread Brownies?
Feel free to increase the ginger and cinnamon amounts or add ground cloves or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Can I make these Gingerbread Brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
What toppings pair well with Gingerbread Brownies?
Cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are excellent choices for added flavor.
How should I store leftover Gingerbread Brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Brownies combine rich brownie textures with the warm spices of gingerbread, making them perfect for any occasion. These treats are versatile; try customizing them with nuts, chocolate chips, or even drizzling caramel on top. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful dessert!
Gingerbread Brownies
Gingerbread Brownies are a delightful fusion of rich brownie texture and the warm, comforting spices of gingerbread. Perfect for festive occasions or cozy nights in, these brownies deliver a sweet treat that brightens any dessert table. With a chewy consistency and an irresistible combination of ginger and cinnamon, they offer a unique twist on classic brownies. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these spiced delights can be enjoyed plain or topped with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Confectioners' sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in room temperature eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the edges are firm.
- Allow cooling completely in the pan before dusting with confectioners' sugar and cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added spice, consider incorporating ground cloves or nutmeg. To make gluten-free brownies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
