Bake these fudgy gingerbread brownies for a perfect holiday treat. They combine rich chocolate with warm gingerbread spices and top them with a smooth cream cheese frosting for an irresistible dessert.
Author:Sophia Collins
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:16 brownies 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached for a fudgy texture.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for fudginess.
While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground ginger until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Cut into squares and serve. If you usually rely on meal planning services, you will find this recipe requires minimal planning for maximum flavor payoff.
Notes
For an extra festive look, sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon or crystallized ginger on top of the frosting before cutting.
If you prefer a chewier texture, slightly reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes.
These brownies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
If you are interested in other healthy options, check out our posts related to weight loss programs.