Gingerbread Brownies are a delightful blend of rich, chewy brownie texture and the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread. These treats are perfect for festive occasions or whenever you desire a comforting dessert. With their unique taste and texture, Gingerbread Brownies will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a cozy flavor profile that is perfect for any season.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these brownies up in no time.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them as a holiday treat or any day when you crave something sweet and spiced!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These brownies appeal to both gingerbread lovers and brownie enthusiasts alike, making them ideal for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Gingerbread Brownies, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish (9×9-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine your ingredients without worrying about spills.
- Whisk: A whisk ensures that your mixture is well combined, especially for eggs and sugar.
- Baking dish: The right size pan ensures even baking, leading to perfectly textured brownies.
Ingredients
Gingerbread Brownies give you a rich, dense, and chewy texture like a brownie with the comforting, spicy, and sweet flavors of gingerbread. They are perfect to add to your desserts for your Christmas menu or whenever you crave a gingerbread treat!
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. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl:
1. Combine melted butter and light brown sugar.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In the same bowl:
1. Mix in room temperature eggs one at a time.
2. Add molasses and vanilla extract; stir until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt until combined.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients:
– Stir until everything is completely combined without overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan:
– Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are set. If using a larger pan (9×13 inches), bake for 25-30 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked:
1. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
2. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before cutting into squares.
3. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies
Gingerbread Brownies are a delightful treat, perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will enhance their rich flavors and chewy texture.
With Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top to balance the spiciness of the ginger. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon for extra flavor.
A Scoop of Ice Cream
- Pair warm Gingerbread Brownies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the brownie, creating a delicious contrast.
Topped with Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the brownies for a sweet touch. This adds an extra layer of richness that complements the spices well.
Dusted with Confectioners’ Sugar
- Simply dusting with confectioners’ sugar enhances the presentation and adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the ginger flavor.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside slices of fresh pear or apple for a refreshing contrast. The fruit’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the spiced brownie.
How to Perfect Gingerbread Brownies
To ensure your Gingerbread Brownies come out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature eggs: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing.
- Melt butter properly: Make sure your butter is fully melted but not hot, as this can affect the texture.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid tough brownies; this keeps them chewy and dense.
- Check for doneness: Bake until set at the edges but still soft in the center; use a toothpick test if unsure.
- Cool completely before slicing: This allows them to firm up, making it easier to cut clean squares.
Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Brownies
Gingerbread Brownies are versatile and can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spiced Apple Cider
A warm cup of spiced apple cider enhances the cozy flavors of gingerbread, making it perfect for fall or winter gatherings. - Creamy Hot Chocolate
Rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows pairs excellently with ginger-spiced treats, adding warmth and sweetness. - Cinnamon Roasted Nuts
A mix of roasted almonds or pecans coated in cinnamon sugar provides a crunchy contrast to the chewy brownies. - Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad featuring citrus fruits like oranges and pomegranates offers a refreshing counterbalance to the rich brownies. - Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy varieties like brie or goat cheese, creates an interesting savory contrast with dessert flavors. - Vanilla Yogurt Parfait
Layered yogurt with granola and berries complements the spice in the brownies while adding creaminess and crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Gingerbread Brownies can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly.
- Bold Mixing: Not mixing the batter thoroughly can lead to uneven texture. Make sure all ingredients are combined well for a smooth batter.
- Bold Measuring: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the recipe. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
- Bold Overbaking: Baking too long will dry out your brownies. Keep an eye on them and perform the toothpick test to check doneness.
- Bold Skipping Cooling Time: Cutting brownies while they are still warm can lead to crumbling. Allow them to cool completely for clean cuts.
- Bold Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different; not preheating properly can affect baking time. Always preheat your oven for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Gingerbread Brownies
- Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Gingerbread Brownies
- Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Bold Microwave: Heat individual brownies on low power for 15-20 seconds.
- Bold Stovetop: Place brownies in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gingerbread Brownies that might help you.
Can I use whole wheat flour for Gingerbread Brownies?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may change the texture slightly.
How do I make my Gingerbread Brownies more chocolatey?
Consider adding cocoa powder or chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate flavor without losing the gingerbread essence.
What’s the best way to serve Gingerbread Brownies?
They are delicious served warm with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar or topped with whipped cream for added richness.
Can I add nuts to my Gingerbread Brownies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a great crunch and flavor contrast.
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Brownies combine the rich, chewy texture of traditional brownies with the comforting spices of gingerbread, making them perfect for any occasion. You can customize these brownies by adding extra spices or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family!
Gingerbread Brownies
Indulge in the delightful experience of Gingerbread Brownies, where the rich, chewy texture of traditional brownies meets the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread. These treats are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy evenings at home. With a blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, each bite offers a comforting taste that evokes the spirit of the season. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these Gingerbread Brownies will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
- 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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by molasses and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until edges are set.
- Allow cooling completely 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: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Make sure butter is melted but not hot to maintain the right texture. For added richness, consider folding in chocolate chips or nuts before baking.
