If you’re looking to cozy up your holiday baking with something that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting. These brownies brilliantly marry the spicy warmth of classic gingerbread spices with the rich, dense chewiness you crave in a brownie, then crown them with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness and silkiness. Perfect for festive gatherings or an indulgent treat any time of year, this recipe is guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting just right depends on a few simple but essential ingredients, each playing its own delicious role in bringing flavors and textures together. From the warming spices to the creamy frosting, these ingredients combine to create a perfectly balanced holiday treat.
- Unsalted Butter (4 oz / ½ cup): Browning it adds a nutty richness that deepens the flavor of the brownies.
- Light Brown Sugar (100 grams / ½ cup): Provides a subtle molasses sweetness and helps keep the brownies moist.
- Large Egg: Adds structure and moisture—make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
- Molasses (2 oz / ¼ cup): The star of gingerbread flavor, lending that signature dark, robust sweetness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor and balances the spices.
- All-Purpose Flour (156 grams / 1 ¼ cups): The base of the brownies, giving them density and chewiness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a classic holiday spice note.
- Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon): Offers a bright, spicy kick that’s essential for gingerbread.
- Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, sweet earthiness.
- Ground Cloves (¼ teaspoon): Intensifies the spiciness and adds depth.
- Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the brownies rise just enough without losing their chewy texture.
- Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for the perfect lift.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz): The base of the frosting, softened to room temperature for smoothness.
- Unsalted Butter (2 oz / 4 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and softens the frosting’s tang.
- Heavy Cream (2 tablespoons): Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and easy to spread.
- Confectioners’ (Powdered) Sugar (180–240 grams / 1 ½ to 2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
How to Make Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350F (180C). Take a 9-inch square pan and spray it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray or generously butter every nook and cranny. This ensures your gingerbread brownies come out without a hitch. Next, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. This blend of spices is what brings that irresistible gingerbread charm to your batter!
Step 2: Brown the Butter for Extra Depth
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, slowly melt the butter, stirring constantly. Keep your eyes peeled here because we want to brown the butter, not burn it. After a few minutes, the butter will turn golden with a nutty aroma—that’s the magic beginning. This step adds a rich, toasted flavor that takes the brownies to the next level. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes to avoid cooking your eggs when combined later.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk in a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Then, slowly add your browned butter while continuing to whisk. You’ll notice the batter becoming incredibly fragrant and luscious—such a good sign!
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that will toughen the brownies. Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 23 to 25 minutes. Once done, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before moving on to frosting them.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies cool, whip up the frosting by blending the softened cream cheese and butter in your mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing to combine. Gradually add the powdered sugar until the frosting reaches your desired thickness—smooth, spreadable, and sweet with a hint of tang.
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over your cooled gingerbread brownies. The contrast of the spiced, chewy brownies with the smooth frosting is pure bliss. Slice into squares and get ready for compliments! Store any leftovers at room temperature or in the fridge to keep them fresh.
How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
To add a festive flair, sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or finely chopped crystallized ginger over the frosting. For a pop of color and texture, festive colored sugar crystals or even some toasted pecans or walnuts can do wonders. These simple touches make your Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting look just as joyful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a warm cup of mulled cider or a creamy chai latte to amplify the spice theme. For a truly decadent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These pairings accentuate the rich flavors and make dessert feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting into festive shapes using cookie cutters—think stars or Christmas trees—for a charming holiday touch. Arrange them on a wooden board garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs or cranberries to add color and invite guests into the season’s spirit. Presentation is half the fun, and your beautiful tray will surely impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your brownies, keep any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay moist and flavorful stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, but refrigeration can extend their life to about a week. Just make sure the frosting is covered well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make these Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time or save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
To bring the brownies back to a just-baked feel, warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the cream cheese frosting and enhances that chewy brownie texture. Avoid overheating as it can melt the frosting or dry out the brownies. A couple of seconds at a time works best!
FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for one-to-one substitution. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep that chewy texture.
Why do I brown the butter instead of just melting it?
Browned butter adds a deep, toasty complexity that simple melted butter can’t match. It introduces nutty, caramel-like notes that elevate the gingerbread spices beautifully.
Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?
While the frosting is a delicious bonus that balances the spices with creamy sweetness, you can enjoy the brownies plain or dusted with powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter finish.
What if I don’t have molasses?
Blackstrap molasses is traditional for that authentic gingerbread flavor, but you can substitute it with dark corn syrup, honey, or maple syrup. Each will alter the flavor slightly but keep the brownies moist and delicious.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should be set and start to pull away from the pan, while the center is still a bit soft but not wet. A toothpick inserted near the middle may have a few moist crumbs, but should not be wet or sticky.
Final Thoughts
These Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting have a special way of turning any moment into a festive celebration. Their wonderfully spiced, chewy texture paired with the creamy, sweet frosting makes them a standout treat everyone will adore. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved part of your holiday tradition or any cozy day craving a slice of joy. Happy baking!
PrintGingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Gingerbread Brownies are a festive twist on the classic treat, combining the warm spices of gingerbread with a dense, chewy brownie texture. Topped with a smooth and luscious cream cheese frosting, they make a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter or holiday gathering. The step-by-step instructions ensure a deliciously spiced and moist treat, elevated by the nutty depth of browned butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Gingerbread Brownies
- 4 oz (½ cup) Unsalted Butter
- 100 grams (½ cup) Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg, at room temperature
- 2 oz (¼ cup) Molasses
- 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 156 grams (1 ¼ cups) All-Purpose/Plain Flour
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 oz (4 tablespoons) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 180–240 grams (1 ½–2 cups) Confectioners/Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan thoroughly using nonstick cooking spray or butter, ensuring even coverage over every corner and edge. Set it aside while preparing the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir these spices and leaveners until evenly blended. Set aside.
- Browning the Butter: Place the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Cook slowly and stir constantly. After a few minutes, the butter will begin to brown and emit a nutty aroma—this is key to adding depth to your brownies. Remove the browned butter from heat promptly to avoid burning and set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Combine 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 them together until smooth. Slowly incorporate the cooled browned butter into this mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry flour and spice mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the brownies and affect texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared 9-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 23 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Using the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and evenly combined. Add the heavy cream and pure vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the confectioners’ sugar. Continue mixing for 3 to 4 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and creamy.
- Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife to create a smooth layer.
- Serve and Store: Cut the frosted gingerbread brownies into 12 squares. Serve immediately or store leftovers at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Enjoy this cozy holiday treat!
Notes
- Be careful when browning butter; stir constantly to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep brownies tender and chewy.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- The frosting thickness can be adjusted by adding more or less powdered sugar depending on desired consistency.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let refrigerated brownies come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.