Growing up, Frosted Gingerbread Brownies were always a cherished treat during the holiday season in my family. The rich, fudgy texture paired with the warm spices of gingerbread – it was pure holiday magic in every bite. I can still remember the comforting aroma wafting through the house as my mom pulled the batch out of the oven, the gooey chocolate frosting glistening on top. It was a tradition we looked forward to every year, and I’m excited to share this beloved recipe with you today.
Why This Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
What sets this Frosted Gingerbread Brownies recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The brownies have a deep, intense gingerbread taste thanks to a generous helping of molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, and other warming spices. But the real kicker is the silky smooth chocolate frosting that gets spread on top – it’s the ideal contrast to the chewy, fudgy brownie base. It’s a flavor combination that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these dreamy Frosted Gingerbread Brownies, you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – the foundation for the fudgy brownie texture
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – provides that rich, chocolatey flavor
- Ground ginger – the star spice that gives gingerbread its signature warmth
- Cinnamon – complements the ginger for a well-rounded spice profile
- Molasses – adds deep, robust sweetness and that gorgeous gingerbread color
- Unsalted butter – creates a tender, moist crumb
- Granulated sugar – balances the bitterness of the cocoa
- Eggs – bind the batter together
Step-by-Step Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Instructions
Preparing Your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies come together in just about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a 9×9-inch baking pan, a medium mixing bowl, and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses.
4- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5- Spread the thick, fudgy batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
6- Allow the Frosted Gingerbread Brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting and cutting into squares.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Frosted Gingerbread Brownies is to not overbake them. Keep a close eye on them in the oven, and pull them out as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Overbaked brownies can become dry and crumbly.
Another pro tip is to let the brownies cool completely before frosting. If you try to frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and get messy. Be patient and wait for them to reach room temperature for the best results.
Serving and Storing Your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
Perfect Pairings for Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are the ultimate holiday treat, but they also make a wonderful anytime dessert. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for an indulgent afternoon snack. For a festive party spread, try serving them alongside mulled wine, eggnog, or a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
These brownies also make a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake the brownie layer in advance and freeze it, then thaw, frost, and serve when you’re ready. The frosting can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge until needed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
Creative Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Variations
If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies. Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch, or swirling in a layer of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent twist. You could also experiment with different flavors of frosting, like a cinnamon buttercream or a rum-spiked chocolate ganache.
Making Frosted Gingerbread Brownies Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also make them dairy-free by using vegan butter and a dairy-free chocolate frosting. And for a lower-carb option, replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of your favorite calorie-free sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular molasses instead of blackstrap molasses?
A: Absolutely! Regular molasses will work just fine in this Frosted Gingerbread Brownies recipe. The flavor may be a touch milder, but they’ll still turn out deliciously gingery and fudgy.
Q: How long do I need to beat the batter?
A: You only want to mix the batter until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense brownies. A gentle fold or two with a spatula is all it takes.
Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes, these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are perfect for making in advance. You can bake the brownie layer, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Frosted Gingerbread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully – just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper before freezing.
Q: Why do my brownies sometimes come out cakey instead of fudgy?
A: Overbaking is the most common culprit for cakey brownies. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and pull them out as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Letting them cool completely in the pan also helps them develop that signature fudgy texture.
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 16
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of gingery spice and rich, fudgy brownies with our Frosted Gingerbread Brownies recipe. Easily whip up this cozy treat in just 10 minutes for a delightful holiday dessert.
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, and cinnamon.
3. – In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and molasses. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. – Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
7. – In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
8. – Refrigerate the frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the frosted brownies with crushed candy canes or chopped pecans. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about Frosted Gingerbread Brownies. The rich, chocolate-y base combined with the warm spices of gingerbread – it’s a match made in holiday heaven. I hope this recipe becomes a new tradition in your home, just like it was in mine. Bake up a batch, share them with loved ones, and enjoy every last gooey, frosted bite. Let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below!