Gingerbread Brownie Recipe

If you love the warm spices of gingerbread and the chewy, fudgy texture of brownies, this Gingerbread Brownie recipe is the perfect dessert for you! Combining the comforting flavors of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon with the classic richness of a brownie, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these gingerbread brownies are great for sharing at gatherings, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea at home.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Brownies

To make these delicious Gingerbread Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, at 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

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you start baking, gather the necessary kitchen tools to ensure a smooth process:

• 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

How to Make Gingerbread Brownies

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly spiced Gingerbread Brownies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Set aside.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and packed light brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Next, mix in the molasses and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture.
5. Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with the spatula. Ensure the batter reaches all corners of the pan.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes if using a 9×9-inch pan, or 25-30 minutes if using a 9×13-inch pan. The brownies are done when the edges are set and the center no longer jiggles. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the gingerbread brownies to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. Once cooled, remove them from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into squares and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the brownies tough.
2. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid packing too much flour into the cup, which can result in dry brownies.
3. Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the brownies during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be set, and the center should no longer jiggle, but the brownies should still have a soft, moist crumb.

Tips for Customizing Your Recipe

Feel free to get creative with this Gingerbread Brownie recipe! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For extra richness, mix in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
• Incorporate Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to the chewy texture of the brownies.
• Top with Frosting: A drizzle of cream cheese or vanilla glaze can elevate the flavor profile and add a beautiful finish.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

To make your Gingerbread Brownies look as delightful as they taste, consider these serving tips:

• Festive Plate: Serve on a decorative holiday plate for a festive touch.
• Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar: A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a snowy, elegant finish.
• Pair with a Hot Beverage: These brownies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or a spiced chai latte.

How to Store and Reheat Gingerbread Brownies

• Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: To enjoy warm brownies, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQ About Gingerbread Brownies

Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give the brownies a deeper molasses flavor.

Q: How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
A: The edges should be set, and the center should no longer jiggle. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Brownies are the perfect blend of cozy gingerbread spice and the beloved chewy texture of a brownie. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, gifting them to friends and family, or just enjoying them at home, these brownies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your results! If you enjoyed this recipe, subscribe to our blog for more delicious baking ideas!

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