Gingerbread Brownies: Cozy Holiday Recipe You Need

Crackly tops, fudgy middles, scents of cinnamon and clove these Gingerbread Brownies are pure December magic. They’re a trending delight, appearing everywhere from festive gatherings to social media feeds. You’ll only need about 15 minutes of active prep time to mix them, making this recipe incredibly convenient for home bakers. No fancy skills required just a whisk, a pan, and a little kitchen joy.

Think classic chewy chocolate brownies, upgraded with bold spices and dark molasses. These Molasses Brownies are a pantry-friendly win, with ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa dancing together like a carol. If you love Spiced Brownies or cozy Holiday Brownies, this one’s for you. Full details in the blog!

I first made these in my grandmother’s kitchen, right after scooping her last jar of blackstrap molasses off the top shelf she believed in spice with weight. I’ve tested this Gingerbread Brownie Recipe a dozen ways to nail the balance of fudginess and festive flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Brownies

If you’ve ever wished for the perfect blend of chewy brownies and warm Christmas spices, you’re in for a treat. These Gingerbread Brownies bring everything cozy to your kitchen.

• Festive Flavor: The molasses, ginger, and cinnamon make these brownies taste like a holiday hug in dessert form.
• Beginner-Friendly: You just mix, bake, and enjoyno advanced skills needed.
• Pantry Staples: Most of these ingredients are things you already have on hand (hello, baking powder and brown sugar).
• Versatile: Whether you’re dressing them up for a Christmas party or keeping them simple for a Netflix and blanket kind of night, they’re perfect.

Key Ingredients (and What Makes Them Shine!)

These brownies come together with a rich blend of warm spices, molasses, and classic baking essentials. Here’s what makes each ingredient special:

• Molasses: The secret to that deep, caramel-like flavor that screams gingerbread.
• Ground Ginger and Cinnamon: The dynamic spice duo that instantly amps up the nostalgia.
• Sour Cream: Keeps the brownies moist and luscious without being too heavy.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a touch of molasses-like richness.
• Butter: For that classic, dense brownie texture and buttery goodness.

Step-By-Step: How to Make These Gingerbread Brownies

Don’t worry if you’re not a baking pro. This Gingerbread Brownie Recipe is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps for a total time of about an hour, including prep and bake time:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Get it nice and warm at 350°F (175°C), then grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer), whip together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffyabout 1 minute.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add molasses, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Blend on low speed until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to ensure even spice distribution.
5. Bring It Together: Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies!
6. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but no wet batter. (Note: The prep time is about 15 minutes, but actual baking time will be longer than stated in the introduction.)
7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean cuts. Dust with confectioners’ sugar for a festive touch if desired.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

Baking doesn’t always go as planned, but no worries. Here’s how to handle potential hiccups with these holiday brownies:

• Too Dense? Make sure you’re not overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients, which can develop too much gluten and lead to tough brownies.
• Dry Texture? Double-check that you measured the flour correctly (scoop and leveldon’t pack it into the measuring cup!). An oven thermometer can also ensure your oven isn’t running too hot.
• Uneven Baking? Use a light-colored metal loaf pan for consistent heat distribution. Darker pans can sometimes cook the edges faster.

Pro Tip: If you’re baking for a crowd, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch baking pan insteadjust adjust the baking time to 40–50 minutes, checking for doneness as described.

Serving and Storing Gingerbread Brownies

These Christmas Brownies are as versatile as it gets. Serve them warm from the oven or store them for later. Here’s how:

• Storage: Wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
• Freeze for Later: Want to save some for a rainy day? Freeze individual slices, wrapped well, for up to 3 monthsjust thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with a cup of hot cocoa, dollop with homemade whipped cream, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra treat.

Expert Says: The Science Behind Gingerbread Brownies

Combining the warm spices of gingerbread with rich chocolate in GINGERBREAD BROWNIES creates a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness and spice. The spices not only enhance taste but also contain antioxidants, making these brownies a flavorful treat with a subtle healthful edge.

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The Careful Craft of My Gingerbread Brownies

This gingerbread brownies recipe took several rounds to balance the warm spices with just the right fudgy texture. One batch was too cakey, another too dense, but through those lessons and taste tests, it finally came together into a cozy treat that feels both comforting and wholesome.

FAQs ( Gingerbread Brownies )

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Brownie Recipe comes together with about 15 minutes of prep and a realistic bake time, delivering that perfect chewy, spiced bite every time. You’ll love how simple ingredientslike molasses and warm spicestransform into a cozy homemade treat that feels both familiar and wonderfully festive.

Try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt to mix things up, or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to keep it light. Leftovers store beautifully wrapped at room temp or frozen for latera trusty little tip I’ve picked up in the kitchen. These Holiday Brownies fit right in with any baking rotation.

Have you tried this recipe yet? I’d love to see your photos or hear your favorite twistsdid this remind you of a family classic? Share the love by passing it on, and warm up your kitchen with these Chewy Gingerbread Brownies anytime you need a sweet little hug from home.

Joe Rooney

Gingerbread Brownies: Cozy Holiday Recipe You Need

Enjoy the warm, rich flavors of Gingerbread Brownies with this delightful recipe that combines the best of spiced brownies and molasses brownies. Perfect for the holiday season or any cozy day, these chewy gingerbread brownies bring festive warmth and a nostalgic touch to your dessert table. Easy to make and wonderfully comforting, they’re a perfect treat to share and savor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 303

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup (253 g) molasses
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (230 g) sour cream, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350° degrees. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar for about 1 minute, or until light and fluffy.
3. Add the molasses, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract beating on low for another 30 seconds or until well blended, scraping down the bowl as needed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs, but no wet batter.
7. Allow the loaf to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if using). Slice and serve!

Notes

• For best results, allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing. Dust with confectioners’ sugar for a festive touch. Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.