Meet your new holiday (or anytime) obsession: Gingerbread Brownies. These cozy, spiced treats marry all the nostalgia of classic gingerbread with the fudgy, chewy magic of your favorite brownies. Imagine a square packed with the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, crowned with a sparkly dusting of confectioners’ sugar. One bite, and you’ll wish every wintery afternoon called for a fresh batch of these irresistibly aromatic bars.

Gingerbread Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for Gingerbread Brownies is delightfully simple, featuring pantry classics and bold spices that give this dessert its personality. Each ingredient works double-duty contributing a key element to the luscious flavor, texture, and dreamy appearance of every bite.

1 cup unsalted butter (melted): Creates that classic chewy brownie texture and adds a buttery richness throughout.
1 ½ cups light brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the brownies while infusing them with moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and bind everything for a perfect, tender crumb.
2 tablespoons molasses: The secret to that deep, old-fashioned gingerbread flavor—don’t skip it!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices and adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies body, holding all the gooey goodness together.
1 tablespoon ground ginger: The bold, spicy foundation of gingerbread, offering unmistakable warmth.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Lends sweet spice, balancing the ginger’s punch.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures lift, so your brownies have a lovely, soft bite.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Brightens the flavors and keeps the sweetness in perfect check.
Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting): Adds a snowy look and a touch of extra sweetness just before serving.

How to Make Gingerbread Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Let’s set ourselves up for brownie success! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over so you can lift the brownies out easily later. A well-prepared pan is key for easy clean-up and beautifully cut brownies.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix with Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, pour in your melted butter and packed brown sugar. Stir them together until the mixture looks thick, glossy, and unified—this simple step is what delivers that rich, almost caramel-like flavor in your Gingerbread Brownies.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Molasses, and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs (let them come to room temperature for best results), then add the molasses and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together thoroughly. The molasses will deepen the color and flavor, while vanilla works behind the scenes to make the spices sing.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

Now for the spice magic. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. Blending the dry ingredients separately ensures you get a nice, even distribution of spiciness in the final brownies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks. The batter should be thick and a bit sticky, loaded with the heavenly scent of gingerbread.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out so it’s even. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center no longer looks jiggly. If you’re using a 9×13-inch pan, start checking at 25-30 minutes, as brownies will bake faster and be slightly thinner.

Step 7: Cool and Add the Finishing Touch

Patience is a virtue here! Let the Gingerbread Brownies cool completely in the pan before removing or cutting them—this helps them firm up for those picture-perfect squares. Once cool, dust generously with confectioners’ sugar for a festive, snowy finish.

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies

Garnishes

Gingerbread Brownies absolutely shine with a pretty topping. Beyond that sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar, try a drizzle of melted white chocolate, a scattering of candied ginger, or even a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a special flourish. The classic white-on-brown contrast always steals the show!

Side Dishes

Since these brownies are bursting with warm spice, they’re incredible alongside vanilla ice cream, a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt, or even a mug of hot spiced cider. A steamy latte or a chai tea pairs wonderfully too—making your brownie moment even cozier.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving at a gathering, cut the Gingerbread Brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters (think stars or hearts!). Stack them on a festive platter, wrap them in parchment for edible gifts, or serve as the sweet finale of a holiday dinner spread. The possibilities are as charming as the brownies themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Gingerbread Brownies soft and flavorful, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days—just tuck a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? These brownies freeze like a dream. Once baked and cooled, cut them into squares, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to two months; just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love that just-baked brownie coziness, pop a square in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. It’ll revive the spices and make the center irresistibly soft again. Just be sure not to overdo it—quick bursts of heat are all you need!

FAQs

Can I make these Gingerbread Brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep an eye on texture when mixing—the batter should still be thick and slightly sticky. You’ll barely notice the difference once they’re baked.

What’s the best way to tell when the brownies are done?

The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan, and the center should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. For extra assurance, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, feel free to use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor. Your Gingerbread Brownies will have a slightly richer color and taste, which many gingerbread fans love!

Why do my brownies turn out cakey instead of fudgy?

Be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients, and don’t overbake. For fudgier brownies, remove them from the oven as soon as the center is set. Using melted butter also helps keep them moist and dense.

How do I add extra spice to these brownies?

If you crave a stronger spice kick, add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of black pepper to the dry ingredients. Adjust to your taste—gingerbread is all about bold flavors!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Gingerbread Brownies enough—the moment you smell them baking, you’ll know you’re in for something special. If cozy, spiced treats are your thing (or you’re looking to start a new tradition), this easy recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Happy baking!

Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Gingerbread Brownies are a delightful twist on classic brownies, combining the warm flavors of ginger and cinnamon with the rich sweetness of molasses. Perfect for the holidays or any time you’re craving a cozy treat!

Instructions

Preheat oven. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
Combine butter and brown sugar. In a large bowl, combine butter and brown sugar. Stir well.
Mix in eggs, molasses, and vanilla.
Whisk together dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
Stir flour mixture into butter and egg mixture. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter and egg mixture until completely combined.
Spread batter into pan. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly. If you are using a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 25-30 minutes.
Allow to cool. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Allow to cool completely before sprinkling with confectioners’ sugar. Cut and serve!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American