Name: Gingerbread Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

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If you’re craving a delightful twist on classic brownies that bursts with warm spices and cozy flavors, this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. Imagine dense, fudgy brownies infused with aromatic ginger, cinnamon, and molasses that make every bite taste like a hug from the holidays. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these gingerbread brownies bring together the best of two worlds—rich chocolatey texture meets spicy sweetness—perfect for any season or celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large silver mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing a thick, shiny brown batter spread unevenly inside. The batter has a smooth, sticky texture with some glossy highlights. A black spatula with a silver blade is standing upright in the middle of the batter, coated with the same brown mixture. The sides of the bowl show remnants of flour and batter residue, giving a sense of active mixing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe are simple staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of softness, flavor, and that irresistible gingery warmth. From the melted butter that ensures fudgy richness to the molasses that gives the brownies their authentic gingerbread character, these elements come together beautifully.

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks / 227 g, melted): This creates that luscious, fudgy brownie base you crave without extra salt interfering with the spices.
Light brown sugar (1 ½ cups / 300 g, packed): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that deepens the gingerbread essence.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): They bind the ingredients while contributing to a tender crumb and moist texture.
Molasses (2 tablespoons): The star of the show, providing the traditional gingerbread depth and a rich, slightly smoky sweetness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the spices perfectly.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups / 312.5 g): The sturdy base that holds the brownies together with just the right amount of chew.
Ground ginger (1 tablespoon): Brings that signature warm, spicy zing you’d expect from gingerbread.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds aromatic sweetness that complements the ginger beautifully.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle lift so your brownies aren’t too dense.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and brightens all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting): A pretty finishing touch that adds a hint of sweetness and a snowy look.

How to Make Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal, and set it aside while you prepare the batter. This simple prep guarantees your brownies will bake evenly and won’t stick, so you can focus on the flavorful goodness ahead.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar. Stir these together thoroughly until you get a smooth, rich mixture. This combination is key for achieving that fudgy texture and deep caramel undertone in your gingerbread brownies.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Molasses, and Vanilla

Next, beat in the two large eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. The molasses here is what truly transforms plain brownies into a gingerbread masterpiece, infusing them with warmth and complexity that will fill your kitchen with a dreamy aroma.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. Combining the spices and leavening agents evenly before adding them to the wet mixture makes sure every bite is perfectly spiced and balanced.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing to keep your brownies tender and moist. This step is where the magic comes together, blending spice, sweetness, and texture harmoniously.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, spreading it out to the edges. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken. If you prefer a larger batch and use a 9×13-inch pan, reduce baking time to 25 to 30 minutes for best results.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before dusting with a generous sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar. This finishing touch adds a touch of festive charm and just a hint of extra sweetness. Once cooled, cut into squares and get ready to enjoy the cozy flavors of your Gingerbread Brownies Recipe!

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

Two square pieces of cake are stacked slightly on a white plate, each with a light brown color and a dusting of powdered sugar that gives a soft white texture on top. The cakes look dense with a slightly rough surface. In the background, there is another white plate with more cake pieces arranged, and a glass of milk beside it. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a white cloth featuring red stripes partly visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a bit of confectioners’ sugar is a beautiful and classic way to finish these brownies, giving them a snowy, festive look. For an extra special touch, try topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to enhance the gingerbread spices.

Side Dishes

Pair your gingerbread brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of spiced chai tea for a comforting combo. The coolness of ice cream contrasts beautifully with the dense, spiced brownie, while chai’s spices echo the warming notes in the dessert itself.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, cut these Gingerbread Brownies Recipe squares into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a festive platter with cinnamon sticks or crystallized ginger nestled around. You can even layer them in a decorative tin with parchment paper to share the joy with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover gingerbread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay moist and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy the warm spices whenever you crave a cozy treat.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. The warmth will revive the fudgy texture and make the gingerbread spices even more aromatic and inviting.

FAQs

Can I substitute the molasses in this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe?

While molasses is essential for that authentic gingerbread flavor, you can use dark corn syrup or honey in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite the same. Molasses provides a rich depth and signature warmth that’s hard to replicate.

What pan size works best for these brownies?

A 9×9-inch pan is ideal for this recipe to achieve the perfect thickness and baking time. If you prefer a thinner brownie, you can use a 9×13-inch pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly to avoid drying out.

Are these gingerbread brownies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though texture may vary slightly. Always check your flour’s blend instructions for best results.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts will add texture and extra layers of flavor. Stir them in after combining the dry and wet ingredients, and adjust the baking time slightly if your additions make the batter thicker.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

No need to refrigerate if you plan to eat them within a few days. Room temperature storage is best to preserve the fudgy texture. Refrigeration can dry them out but is okay if your kitchen is very warm or humid.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got this cozy and decadent Gingerbread Brownies Recipe tucked away, why not roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to a batch? These brownies perfectly capture the spirit of spiced comforts with a fudgy twist, making them a scrumptious centerpiece for any occasion. Once you taste them, you’ll know exactly why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.

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