Gingerbread Brownies with a Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These Gingerbread Brownies combine the rich, spiced flavors of traditional gingerbread with a fudgy brownie texture, topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a festive treat, these brownies deliver warmth from cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, balanced by the sweetness of molasses and brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 4oz (1/2 Cup) Unsalted Butter
- 100 Grams (1/2 Cup) Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg, at room temperature
- 2oz (1/4 Cup) Molasses
- 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 156 Grams (1 1/4 Cups) All-Purpose/ Plain Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2oz (4 Tablespoons) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 180–240 Grams (1 1/2–2 Cups) Confectioners/ Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter, making sure to cover every nook and cranny to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, baking powder, and baking soda until evenly mixed. Set aside.
- Braise Butter: Place the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Slowly melt and cook the butter while stirring constantly. Continue until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma—this usually takes a couple of minutes. Be vigilant to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or a large bowl with a handheld mixer, combine the light brown sugar, room-temperature egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Browned Butter: Slowly add the cooled browned butter into the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry flour and spice mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared 9-inch pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together using an electric stand mixer or handheld mixer until smooth and well combined. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar gradually. Continue mixing on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve and Store: Slice into 12 servings and enjoy. Store any leftovers at room temperature if consumed within a day or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor enhancing the depth of the brownies.
- Make sure the brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- The powdered sugar amount for frosting can be adjusted between 1 1/2 to 2 cups depending on desired sweetness and consistency.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days.
- For a more festive touch, you can add chopped nuts or candied ginger to the batter.
