Magical Holiday Gingerbread Brownies Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Every holiday gathering needs these decadent gingerbread brownies that blend rich chocolate with warm spices.

Cozy winter afternoons call for something truly special from your kitchen.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and molasses will drift through your home, promising delightful moments ahead.

Chocolate lovers and spice enthusiasts unite over this unexpected dessert combination.

Traditional brownie textures merge beautifully with classic gingerbread flavors, creating a unique treat.

Unexpected ingredients dance together, promising a memorable indulgence that breaks typical dessert boundaries.

Prepare to be amazed by how perfectly these contrasting flavors complement each other.

FAQ for Holiday Brownie Bakers

• What makes these gingerbread brownies different from regular brownies?

These brownies combine classic chocolate brownie richness with warm holiday spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, creating a unique seasonal dessert that blends chocolate indulgence with festive flavors.

• Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a 1:1 replacement and check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted into the center. The edges should be set, but the middle should still look slightly soft. This ensures a fudgy, moist texture without being undercooked.

• Are these brownies kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These brownies have a mild spice profile that’s not too intense, making them enjoyable for children. The chocolate base makes them universally appealing, and they’re not too spicy for young palates.

Why These Gingerbread Brownies Hit Different

• Unlock the magic of gingerbread brownies with these irresistible reasons
• Whip up these brownies in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking adventures or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Combine the rich decadence of brownies with warm, cozy gingerbread spices that instantly transport you to holiday comfort.
• Ideal for holiday gatherings, weekend treats, or when you want to impress friends and family with a unique twist on classic brownies.
• Easily personalize with optional add-ins like white chocolate chips or nuts, making each batch uniquely yours.

What You’ll Need for This Spiced Treat

Main Ingredients:

• Butter: Rich base that adds moisture and helps bind ingredients together, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet foundation that creates deep caramel notes and tender texture, opt for fresh, clump-free sugars.
• Eggs: Critical binding agent that provides structure and richness to the brownies.
• Molasses: Signature gingerbread flavor component with deep, complex sweetness, dark molasses recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor depth, use pure extract for best results.

• Flour: Structural base for the brownies, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate undertone, choose high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper flavor.
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Classic warm spice blend that defines gingerbread character, use freshly ground spices for maximum potency.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors, fine sea salt preferred.

• White Chocolate Chips, Nuts: Textural extras that provide crunch and additional flavor complexity, choose fresh, high-quality mix-ins.

Instructions for Dense, Chewy Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Whip Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Molasses
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and blended.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Ground ginger
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Step 4: Create Brownie Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. If you want extra flavor, toss in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing for a festive finish.

Tips for Rich Flavor and Texture

• Boost Moisture Magic: Keep brownies ultra-moist by not overmixing the batter, which prevents tough, dry textures and ensures tender, soft results.
• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust ground spices to personal taste- reduce ginger or cinnamon for milder flavor, or increase for a bolder, more pronounced warmth.
• Perfect Cutting Technique: Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe blade between cuts to create clean, neat brownie squares without crumbling the edges.
• Gluten-Free Conversion: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring 1:1 replacement and adding xanthan gum for better binding and texture.
• Storage Wisdom: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How to Store Brownies Without Drying

• Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
• If brownies seem dry, place a damp paper towel with the brownies in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back softness.

What to Pair with These Cozy Bars

• The rich, warming spices in this gingerbread brownie perfectly complement the complex flavors of a chai latte, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and spicy notes.
• Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, dense brownie, balancing the intense gingerbread and chocolate flavors.
• Drizzle a smooth salted caramel sauce over the brownies to enhance the depth of molasses and spice, adding a luxurious layer of sweetness and complexity.
• A glass of warm, spiced red wine echoes the gingerbread's winter holiday essence, offering a sophisticated adult pairing that brings out the brownie's rich undertones.

Gingerbread Variations Worth Trying

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising rich flavor.

Vegan Spice Brownies: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based alternative.

Low-Sugar Ginger Chocolate Squares: Swap granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious gingerbread essence.

Nutty Chocolate Gingerbread Edition: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds into batter for extra crunch and nutritional boost, enhancing texture and protein content.

Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Festive holiday spices dance through rich chocolate in these gingerbread brownies, creating a delightful dessert that merges classic brownie depth with warm winter flavors. Warm molasses and ginger provide a comforting twist you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Baking Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (175 g) dark chocolate chips or chunks

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (180 ml) molasses
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Drizzle of white chocolate
• Crushed gingerbread cookies for extra crunch

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking vessel with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for effortless extraction.
2. Create a luxurious wet mixture by vigorously whisking melted butter with both brown and granulated sugars, incorporating eggs, rich molasses, and aromatic vanilla until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
3. Craft the dry foundation by meticulously sifting flour, cocoa powder, and a harmonious blend of warming spices including ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, complemented by a pinch of salt.
4. Gently marry the dry and wet components, folding with precision until just integrated, being careful not to overmix. Optionally, enhance the batter’s complexity by folding in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
5. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure uniform distribution and even baking.
6. Position the pan in the preheated oven, allowing the brownies to transform for 25-30 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick, which should emerge with a few moist crumbs clinging to its surface.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely within the pan, enabling them to set and develop a rich, fudgy texture.
8. Once cooled, lift from the pan using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and optionally embellish with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or an elegant icing drizzle.

Notes

• Check brownie doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center, aiming for moist crumbs rather than completely clean for a fudgy texture.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Swap out traditional wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising rich, warm flavor profile.
• Enhance moisture and depth by using dark molasses instead of light molasses, which provides a more intense, robust gingerbread character to the brownies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 298
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg