Gingerbread brownies are where holiday magic meets classic chocolate indulgence. These fudgy, decadent bars are everything you love about a traditional brownie—rich, moist, and deeply chocolaty—with the added warmth of gingerbread spices and a hint of molasses. They’re perfect for cozy winter nights, Christmas dessert trays, or anytime you want your kitchen to smell like cinnamon, ginger, and cocoa. With crackly tops and melty chocolate chips, these brownies are festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to steal the show.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and fudgy texture with deep chocolate flavor
- Warm gingerbread spices make it feel festive
- Crackly, shiny tops just like your favorite brownies
- Easy to make—no mixer required
- A unique twist that’s perfect for holiday parties and gifts
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate (60–70%), chopped
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (60ml) unsulphured molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup (130g) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter & chocolate: In a saucepan over low heat (or microwave), melt butter and dark chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk in the brown sugar and molasses until combined. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until glossy.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and baking powder. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
- Fold in chips: Gently fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool & slice: Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 9–12 brownies
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 12 brownies)
- Calories: ~240
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Nutrition values are approximate and vary by ingredients used.
Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip the molasses – it adds deep gingerbread flavor
- Use dark brown sugar for extra moisture and richness
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Drizzle with white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for decoration
- Double the batch in a 9×13-inch pan and bake 5–10 minutes longer
FAQs
Can I freeze gingerbread brownies?
Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—results may vary slightly in texture.
Do I have to use dark chocolate?
Semi-sweet works too, but dark chocolate deepens the flavor beautifully.
Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Gingerbread Brownies
Equipment
- – 8×8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- – Whisk and spatula
- – Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- – ½ cup unsalted butter
- – 4 oz dark chocolate 60–70%, chopped
- – ¾ cup brown sugar
- – ¼ cup molasses
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – ½ cup all-purpose flour
- – ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- – 1 tsp ground ginger
- – ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- – ¼ tsp ground cloves
- – ¼ tsp salt
- – ½ tsp baking powder
- – ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
- Melt butter and chocolate together. Cool slightly.
- Whisk in brown sugar and molasses, then eggs and vanilla.
- Sift in dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
– Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These gingerbread brownies are the ultimate holiday treat—deeply chocolaty, warmly spiced, and irresistibly fudgy. Whether you’re baking for gifts, parties, or just curling up with a cozy dessert, this recipe is a must for the season. It’s a brownie. It’s gingerbread. It’s everything good in one bite.