Gingerbread Blondies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures all the warm and spicy flavors of the holiday season in a deliciously chewy square, Gingerbread Blondies are your new best friend. These blondies combine the rich, buttery texture of classic blondies with the signature spices of gingerbread, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and plenty of ground ginger, plus the deep molasses sweetness, Gingerbread Blondies are irresistibly festive and perfect for sharing any time you want to spread a little joy with something homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays an important role, from the melted butter that ensures a moist crumb to the molasses that brings that unmistakable gingerbread depth.

• Unsalted butter, ½ cup, melted: Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb to the blondies.
• Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Adds sweetness and helps create a balanced texture.
• Brown sugar, ½ cup packed: Introduces a slight caramel flavor and additional chewiness.
• Molasses, ¼ cup: The key to that authentic gingerbread flavor and beautiful dark color.
• Large egg, 1: Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances all the flavors while adding a warm vanilla note.
• All-purpose flour, 1 ¼ cups: The base that gives these blondies their wonderful chew.
• Ground ginger, 1 ½ tsp: Delivers that classic spicy kick essential to Gingerbread Blondies.
• Cinnamon, 1 tsp: Adds warmth and sweetness to the spice profile.
• Nutmeg, ¼ tsp: Rounds out the spice bouquet for depth.
• Baking soda, ½ tsp: Helps the blondies rise slightly and remain tender.
• Baking powder, ¼ tsp: Works with the baking soda to give a perfect texture.
• Salt, ¼ tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances all the spices.
• White and dark chocolate chips or bar (optional): Perfect for drizzling or decorating to add festive flair.
• Candy color (red and green): Great for piping cute holiday shapes on top.
• Festive sprinkles (optional): Adds color and fun to presentation.

How to Make Gingerbread Blondies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper is essential—it helps you lift out the blondies easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add molasses, the egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined. This mix becomes the flavorful foundation of your blondie batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk the flour with ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your blondies for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep your blondies tender and chewy rather than cakey.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top out. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to remove air bubbles. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This will yield a soft, chewy middle.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Let the blondies cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before decorating. Melt white and/or dark chocolate in short microwave bursts, stirring between, until smooth. Drizzle or spread this over the top, then sprinkle festive sprinkles while the chocolate is still soft. For an extra creative touch, use colored chocolate to pipe gingerbread shapes onto cut pieces—so cute and perfect for holiday gifting!

How to Serve Gingerbread Blondies

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of melted chocolate and a scatter of festive sprinkles really elevate these blondies. If you want to impress, add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for that elegant finish. Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds also bring a lovely tartness and make the colors pop.

Side Dishes

These blondies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of hot spiced cider. For something a little lighter, serve with fresh orange slices or a cinnamon-spiced tea to complement the gingerbread spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking Gingerbread Blondies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like caramel or chocolate ganache. Another fun idea is to cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters or pipe festive patterns on top to match holiday occasions. Wrapping individual blondies in parchment with a ribbon makes an adorable homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Gingerbread Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making them a great make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze these blondies if you want to prepare well in advance. Wrap individual pieces or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and if desired, refresh the chocolate drizzle after thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy warm Gingerbread Blondies, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop a piece in a low-temperature oven for 5 minutes. This softens the blondies perfectly and revives that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup?

Molasses is what gives Gingerbread Blondies their deep, robust flavor and color, so substitutions will change the taste noticeably. Honey or maple syrup will add sweetness, but you’ll lose that classic gingerbread character. If needed, reduce these substitutions slightly to avoid a runny batter.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but the warm spices will still shine through beautifully.

What’s the best way to get a chewy texture?

The key to chewiness is not overmixing the batter and baking just until the edges are set but the center still has some moist crumbs. Also, using both granulated and brown sugar adds to that wonderful chewy texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch that pairs well with the spices. You could also fold in white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra bursts of flavor.

How do I make the colored chocolate decorations?

Melt white chocolate and mix in candy colors gently until you reach your desired shade. Pipe onto parchment paper or cut blondie pieces, then let them set at room temperature or chill briefly until firm. These decorations are charming and festive!

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give these Gingerbread Blondies a try because they capture everything special about the holidays in one delicious bite. They’re easy to make, wonderfully spiced, and endlessly versatile for decorating and serving. Whether for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these blondies will quickly become one of your favorite seasonal go-tos.

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