These Gingerbread Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the warm, spiced flavors of traditional gingerbread. Infused with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these brownies are the perfect holiday treat—chewy, moist, and packed with cozy seasonal flavors. Serve them as a festive dessert, holiday gift, or a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy, chewy brownies with classic gingerbread spices
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or cozy nights in
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Customizable with white chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of icing
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead holiday treats
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the brownies:
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Molasses
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Ground ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
Optional add-ins:
- White chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in optional add-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing for a festive touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 brownies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Extra Fudgy Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of melted dark chocolate to the batter for a richer texture.
- Spicy Ginger Kick: Add finely chopped crystallized ginger for extra spice and chewiness.
- Frosted Gingerbread Brownies: Top with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent holiday dessert.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
FAQs
Can I use blackstrap molasses?
No, blackstrap molasses is too bitter for baking. Use light or unsulphured molasses for the best flavor.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for fudgy brownies.
Can I substitute honey for molasses?
Molasses provides a distinct gingerbread flavor, but you can use dark honey as a substitute for a milder taste.
Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a completely dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean edges.
Can I add frosting to these brownies?
Yes, cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
Are these brownies spicy?
They’re mildly spiced, but you can increase the ginger or add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, they stay moist and flavorful for several days, making them perfect for holiday prep.
How do I keep brownies moist?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time to 35-40 minutes.
Conclusion
These Gingerbread Brownies are the perfect festive twist on a classic dessert, blending rich chocolate with cozy holiday spices. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they’re perfect for Christmas parties, edible gifts, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with frosting for a beautifully festive touch that will wow your guests!
Print
Gingerbread Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gingerbread Brownies combine the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread. Perfect for the holiday season, these brownies are packed with molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for a festive twist on a beloved treat. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or as part of your holiday dessert spread!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) molasses
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175 g) dark chocolate chips or chunks
For Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Drizzle of white chocolate
- Crushed gingerbread cookies for extra crunch
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
3. Combine the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
4. Bake the brownies:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (don’t overbake to keep them fudgy).
5. Cool and garnish:
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with white chocolate, or sprinkle with crushed gingerbread cookies for extra holiday flair.
6. Slice and serve:
- Cut into squares and serve as a festive dessert or gift for friends and family.
Notes
- For extra gooey brownies, underbake by 2-3 minutes and let them set in the fridge.
- Add chopped crystallized ginger for extra spice and texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.