The moment I pulled a tray of these Chewy Gingerbread Brownies from the oven, the air became infused with the cozy aromas of cinnamon and ginger, instantly transporting me to a warm holiday gathering. These brownies masterfully blend rich chocolate with spiced flavors, making them an irresistible holiday dessert perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Not only are they quick to whip up, but their chewy texture is a delightful twist on classic gingerbread, ensuring they will become a staple in your seasonal repertoire. Plus, they’re versatile, allowing for fun mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to cater to every palate. Are you ready to create a new festive favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds?
Why are Gingerbread Brownies a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavors: The warm spices of ginger and cinnamon create a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate, making every bite a festive treat.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a pro baker; these brownies come together in no time, perfect for a last-minute holiday dessert!
Chewy Delight: With their wonderfully chewy texture, they offer a fresh take on traditional gingerbread, sure to satisfy all taste buds.
Customizable Options: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to personalize your batch. You can even serve them warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist. Need more tips? Check out our ideas for serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience!
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for festive gatherings, your friends and family will be raving about these brownies, making you the star of the holiday season!
Simple Gingerbread Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownies
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; let it cool before mixing with eggs to avoid cooking them.
• Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor; avoid blackstrap molasses as it can be bitter.
• Eggs – Help bind the ingredients and aid in rising; use eggs at room temperature for better mixability.
• Light Molasses – Contributes moisture and a mild sweetness; blackstrap molasses can be used but reduce the amount slightly.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile and aroma of the brownies.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides necessary structure; ensure accurate measurement for consistent results.
• Ground Ginger & Ground Cinnamon – Key spices defining the gingerbread flavor; measure carefully for a balanced taste.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the brownies remain chewy instead of becoming cake-like.
• Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – For dusting, providing a classic finish and extra sweetness.
Are you ready to create these simple gingerbread brownies? With their chewy texture and rich, spiced flavors, they’re sure to become a favorite holiday treat!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Simple Gingerbread Brownies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easier lifting later. This prep ensures your Simple Gingerbread Brownies come out effortlessly, preventing any sticking or mess during the baking process.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This step should take about 2-3 minutes of vigorous mixing to ensure that the sugar begins to dissolve and meld into the buttery richness, forming a delightful base for your brownies.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, light molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Using a whisk or mixer, blend these ingredients together until fully incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should appear creamy and consistent, setting the stage for those irresistible spiced flavors in your Simple Gingerbread Brownies.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes to ensure even distribution of the spices and leavening agents, which will keep your brownies chewy and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter, gently folding them together with a spatula. Mix just until combined, ensuring not to overmix, which could result in tough brownies. You want to see no dry flour remaining, but small lumps are perfectly fine for your Simple Gingerbread Brownies.
Step 6: Spread the Batter
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish, using the spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. This ensures that your brownies bake uniformly, with a delightful chewy texture throughout. Smooth the top with the spatula if you like a clean finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on your brownies; they’re done when the edges are set, and the center feels slightly soft to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—this is key to achieving that chewy goodness.
Step 8: Cool and Dust
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which takes about 30-40 minutes. Once cooled, dust the top generously with confectioners’ sugar. This adds a lovely presentation touch to your Simple Gingerbread Brownies and enhances their holiday appeal before cutting them into squares.
Simple Gingerbread Brownies: Customize Your Way
These chewy gingerbread brownies are a canvas waiting for your creative touch! Elevate your experience with delightful twists and swaps.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-friendly treat.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter to add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey bite that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based treat.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising warmth that complements the ginger.
- Fruity Flair: Mix in some chopped dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness and chewy texture, perfect for the holiday season.
- Creamy Swirl: Add a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a richer, more decadent dessert experience.
- Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve warm brownies with a cup of spiced hot chocolate for a cozy, festive treat that’s sure to warm your heart.
Ready for more inspiration? Check out our ideas for serving suggestions that will take your holiday gatherings to the next level!
Expert Tips for Simple Gingerbread Brownies
• Butter Temperature Matters: Let your melted butter cool down before mixing with eggs; otherwise, you risk a grainy texture from cooking the eggs prematurely.
• Mix Gently: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, fold until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough Simple Gingerbread Brownies.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect chewy texture. Check them five minutes before the time is up!
• Accurate Spice Measurements: Measuring spices correctly is vital; too much can lead to bitterness, while too little may result in bland brownies.
• Allow Cooling: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This ensures clean edges and prevents them from crumbling apart.
How to Store and Freeze Simple Gingerbread Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days; they taste even better after a day or two as the flavors mature.
Fridge: You can refrigerate the brownies to extend their freshness, but they may dry out slightly. Aim to consume them within 5 days when stored this way.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Simple Gingerbread Brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Cut them into squares for easy serving later.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave a square for 15-20 seconds or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Chewy Gingerbread Brownies are perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and combine just before baking. For optimal quality, store the mixed batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you wish to bake them later, preheat your oven while you bring the batter back to room temperature for better texture. Once baked, the brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Trust me, they’ll be just as delicious, and you’ll appreciate the time saved on those busy holiday days!
What to Serve with Chewy Gingerbread Brownies?
Indulging in chewy gingerbread brownies brings a cozy aroma of spices, creating perfect moments to complement with delightful sides.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness contrasts beautifully with spicy brownies, making each bite a delightful balance of flavors. It’s a holiday classic that everyone loves!
-
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and acts as a cool counterpart to the warm spices in the brownies, enhancing their richness.
-
Spiced Chai Tea: This warm beverage echoes the comforting spices in the brownies, creating a lovely pairing for enjoying intimate holiday moments.
-
Eggnog: Creamy and spiked, eggnog offers a festive touch that complements the spicy notes of gingerbread, making each bite and sip feel elevated and seasonal.
-
Hot Chocolate: Rich, warm hot chocolate is a perfect choice for a cozy dessert experience, offering a chocolatey contrast that complements the brownie’s deep flavor.
-
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, tart cranberry sauce lightens the palate, cutting through the brownies’ richness and adding a festive touch to the dessert table.
Pair these alongside your chewy gingerbread brownies for a truly memorable holiday gathering, ensuring that each flavor harmonizes beautifully!
Simple Gingerbread Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right molasses for my brownies?
I recommend using light molasses for a milder flavor that balances perfectly with the spices. Dark molasses can be quite bitter, so if you are tempted to use it, make sure to reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the sweetness of your gingerbread brownies.
What’s the best way to store gingerbread brownies?
Store your gingerbread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as they mature. If you’d like to keep them longer, freezing is a great option—just make sure they are in a freezer-safe container!
Can I freeze gingerbread brownies?
Absolutely! For the best results, cut the brownies into squares before freezing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, microwave a square for 15-20 seconds or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to warm them up.
What should I do if my brownies turn out too dry?
If you find your brownies are dry, chances are they were overbaked. To prevent this, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick around the 30-minute mark—remove them when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick. If they still seem dry, consider adding a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for added moisture and flavor!
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Certainly! If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of unsalted butter. Always choose a suitable molasses that aligns with your dietary needs to maintain the gingerbread flavor in your brownies!
How long can I keep my brownies in the refrigerator?
While I usually suggest storing your gingerbread brownies at room temperature, if you prefer refrigeration, they will last for 5 days. Just keep in mind that refrigeration may lead to slightly drier brownies. To enjoy them at their best, microwave them for a few seconds before serving!
Delightful Simple Gingerbread Brownies for Cozy Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, light molasses, and vanilla extract to the mixture, blend until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set and center feels slightly soft.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then dust with confectioners’ sugar before cutting.
Leave a Reply