Name: Gingerbread Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

There’s something incredibly inviting about the warm, spicy aroma of these Gingerbread Brownies that fills the kitchen and wraps you in cozy vibes. This Gingerbread Brownies Recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich chocolatey texture and festive holiday spices, making it a joyful treat any time of the year.

Three brown bar-shaped dessert pieces are stacked on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a slightly crumbly texture with visible soft crumbs inside. The top layer of each bar is dusted with white powdered sugar, creating a light, uneven coating. The bars have rough edges that show their soft interior, and the background is blurred out in dark brown shades. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe because it’s one of those desserts that bring back memories of chilly evenings and holiday warmth—without being overly complicated to make. You get all the nostalgic tastes packed into a gooey, chewy brownie that everyone raves about.

Delectably Spiced: The blend of ginger and cinnamon wakes up your taste buds with a spicy, comforting kick that’s simply irresistible.
Moist & Chewy Texture: Thanks to the melted butter and molasses, these brownies stay perfectly fudgy without drying out, so they’re good for days.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have every item in your pantry, making this a stress-free recipe that’s ready when you are.
Versatile Treat: Dress it up with powdered sugar or serve alongside ice cream for a cozy dessert everyone will adore.

A square white ceramic pan with a red rim holds a thick, golden brown baked dessert cut into nine equal squares. One square is being lifted by a knife with a dark brown wooden handle, showing a slightly soft texture inside. The top of the dessert is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. The pan rests on a rustic wooden surface with a white cloth and green pine leaves nearby, adding a cozy, festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe has a purpose, contributing to its distinctive texture and flavor. Knowing why they work might help you feel more confident as you bake—and maybe inspire some tweaks!

Flat lay of a small square white ceramic dish with melted golden butter, a small white bowl filled with light brown packed sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of thick dark molasses, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl heaped with pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing ground ginger powder, a small white bowl with cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with baking powder, a small white bowl holding kosher salt crystals, and a small white plate dusted lightly with confectioners’ sugar, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Using melted butter gives the brownies that rich, chewy texture you want, plus it helps carry all those warm spices.
Light Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar deepens the flavor, giving subtle caramel notes that balance perfectly with the ginger.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure but keep things soft and tender—room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
Molasses: This is the star for that authentic gingerbread taste—don’t skip it, as it adds depth beyond just sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla smooths out all the spices with a sweet aroma, rounding out the flavor beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the brownies, it develops just enough gluten for chew without making it tough.
Ground Ginger: Fresh and zesty, ginger delivers that unmistakable warm spice hit that defines this recipe.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds complexity and sweetness, enhancing the spicy notes in every bite.
Baking Powder: This gentle leavening agent gives the brownies a slight lift, so they’re tender but not dense like a cake.
Kosher Salt: Salt amplifies the flavor, balancing sweetness and intensifying the spices.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe, especially around the holidays. It’s so flexible—you can easily add in nuts or swap up the spices to suit your mood or dietary preferences.

Variation: One holiday season, I stirred in chopped crystallized ginger and toasted pecans, which gave the brownies an exciting zing and extra crunch—seriously next-level.
Dairy-Free Option: Try substituting the butter with coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free; it adds a subtle tropical twist I didn’t expect but enjoyed.
Flavor Twist: Adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg can deepen the spice profile if you want that extra festive feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures easy cleanup and helps the brownies lift out neatly after baking. Trust me, it’s worth the few extra minutes.

Step 2: Mix The Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Then beat in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract. I always whisk eggs separately to warm them briefly in my hands first—that avoids any chilling, so the batter stays smooth.

Step 3: Combine The Dry Spices and Flour

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder and spices evenly, so every bite is packed with flavor—and no clumps in sight.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make brownies tough, so keep it gentle. Once your batter is silky smooth and evenly mixed, spread it evenly in your prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center no longer jiggles. If you don’t have a 9×9 pan and use a 9×13 instead, reduce bake time accordingly—about 25-30 minutes usually does the trick. Always check closer to the end to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and cutting into squares. This wait is hard, but it’s key to letting them set so they don’t crumble apart when you slice.

Top Tip

Making this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe time and again, I’ve learned a few key tricks that make all the difference between a good batch and a great one.

Butter Temperature: Melt your butter slowly and cool it slightly so it’s warm, not hot, before mixing it with sugar—this helps the sugar dissolve better and creates a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the flour in gradually and fold gently just until combined to keep your brownies tender and chewy instead of tough.
Watch Your Bake Time: Check a few minutes before the timer goes off. The brownies should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out—they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan this way not only makes clean-up easier but also helps lift the brownies out without breaking or sticking.

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

gingerbread brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like dusting mine lightly with confectioners' sugar for a simple festive touch—it melts into the surface and adds a pretty snow-kissed look. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to balance the spice with creaminess.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee—those spices echo each other beautifully. For a heartier option, try serving alongside fresh fruit like pear slices or a tangy cranberry sauce to brighten up the warm flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love stacking the brownies in a pyramid shape on a festive plate and topping them with a sprinkle of crushed candied ginger and chopped pistachios. It turns a simple treat into something pretty enough to impress without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot like the fridge works well too, just bring them back to room temp before eating—they soften up beautifully.

Freezing

These brownies freeze really nicely. I usually cut them into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. When you want a treat, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave—perfect for those last-minute cravings.

Reheating

To refresh day-old brownies, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, fudgy texture like they’re freshly baked again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, you can. Using dark brown sugar will give the brownies a richer molasses flavor and darker color. It’s a tasty variation, especially if you like a deeper, more intense gingerbread taste.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Look for set edges and a center that is just firm to the touch but still slightly soft—if it jiggles too much, give it a few more minutes. Remember, brownies continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or crystallized ginger add delightful texture and enhance the flavor. Just fold ½ to ¾ cup of your preferred add-ins into the batter before baking.

What’s the best way to store these brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze individual portions — they thaw quickly and still taste great when reheated gently.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Brownies Recipe has become my go-to for sharing a bit of warmth and comfort, especially when the days get shorter and cooler. It’s simple, forgiving, and full of nostalgic flavors that bring smiles and happy memories. I hope you give it a try soon—you might find it becomes a beloved favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.