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Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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4 from 27 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/gingerbread-brownies-with-cream-cheese-frosting/