Gingerbread Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a classic brownie with the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread. Perfect for the holiday season or anytime you’re craving something cozy, these brownies are infused with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, making them the ultimate winter treat. The result is a soft, chewy brownie with a delightful spicy-sweet kick that pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Gingerbread Brownies are a delicious fusion of two beloved desserts: gingerbread and brownies. The deep, aromatic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses add a festive twist to the rich chocolatey base of a brownie. They’re simple to make, have a perfectly balanced flavor, and offer the best of both worlds—a chewy, fudgy texture with the comforting warmth of gingerbread spices. These brownies are sure to be a holiday favorite and are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until fully incorporated.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense brownies.

5. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you like extra chocolatey brownies, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.

6. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The brownies should be firm to the touch, but slightly soft in the middle.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 brownies

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy texture.

• White Chocolate Swirl: For a fun twist, swirl in some melted white chocolate into the brownie batter before baking for a creamy flavor that complements the gingerbread spices.

• Frosting: Top the cooled brownies with a cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra indulgent treat.

• Gingerbread Blondies: Skip the cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a lighter, blondie-style version of these gingerbread treats.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Freezing: These brownies freeze well. Wrap them individually or store them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Fresh ginger has a different flavor and moisture content, so it’s not a perfect substitute for ground ginger in this recipe. However, you can use it for a more vibrant flavor by finely grating about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger.

2. Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free chocolate option if desired. Make sure to check the labels for dairy-free ingredients.

3. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 to replace regular flour.

4. What kind of molasses should I use?

Use unsulfured molasses, which is the most common variety used in baking. It provides the right sweetness and depth of flavor for gingerbread recipes.

5. Can I add more spices?

Yes, you can customize the spice blend to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of ground allspice or cardamom can further enhance the gingerbread flavor.

6. Why are my brownies too dense?

If your brownies turn out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. Make sure to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and don’t overwork the batter.

7. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

You can use coconut sugar or maple sugar as a substitute for brown sugar, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

8. How can I make these brownies more decadent?

For an extra indulgent touch, top your brownies with whipped cream or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

9. How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, the brownies need more time.

10. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for up to a few days. The flavor will develop even more as they sit, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Brownies are the perfect treat to enjoy during the holiday season or anytime you crave a rich, spiced dessert. Combining the best of gingerbread and brownies, they’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. With just the right amount of sweetness and spice, these brownies will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of ice cream, these brownies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert!