That unmistakable aroma of warm molasses and cinnamon… followed by the perfect, chewy bite. These gingerbread brownies are the ultimate holiday treat, blending the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the comforting spices of gingerbread. They’re everything you crave during the festive season: spiced, decadent, and incredibly cozy.
Imagine your favorite fudgy brownie infused with the warming essence of gingerbread cookies. This easy spiced brownie recipe harnesses the power of molasses for that deep, almost caramel-like sweetness, beautifully complemented by a symphony of warming spices. It’s holiday magic in a pan, requiring far less effort than rolling out cookie dough. Let’s bake!
I’ve refined this spice blend over many years, finding a combination that truly sings. A recent addition of a pinch of cardamom elevated the flavor profile beautifully. After multiple tests to perfect that signature chewy texture, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you.
Why These Spiced Brownies Will Steal Your Heart
These gingerbread brownies strike that perfect balance between deeply fudgy and delightfully chewy, a texture so satisfying you’ll want to savor every bite. The molasses imbues them with a profound, almost caramel-like richness, while a medley of warming spices envelops you in a comforting embrace, much like your coziest holiday sweater.
What truly sets them apart is their ability to deliver all those beloved, cozy holiday feelings without the traditional fuss of rolling out cookie dough. You get that authentic, classic gingerbread flavor, but in the irresistible form of a brownie – truly the best of both worlds, effortlessly combined.
- Perfectly Balanced Texture: Decadently dense and wonderfully chewy, never cake-like.
- Unmatched Depth of Flavor: Molasses provides an incredible, complex richness that defines gingerbread.
- Comforting Warmth: A harmonious blend of ginger, cinnamon, and other spices creates pure holiday comfort.
- Ideal for Planning Ahead: They genuinely improve with age, making them even better the next day.
Key Ingredients That Make the Magic
The success of these incredible molasses brownies hinges on understanding the unique role each ingredient plays. Molasses, for instance, is more than just a flavor enhancer; it’s essential for maintaining an incredibly moist crumb and imparting that signature deep sweetness characteristic of authentic gingerbread.
Sour cream might strike you as an unconventional addition, but it’s my secret weapon for achieving exceptionally tender brownies. It introduces a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness, all while ensuring a wonderfully chewy texture. A crucial tip: always use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs and sour cream will not emulsify smoothly with the molasses and other wet ingredients, affecting the final texture.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Molasses | Deep flavor & moisture | Dark corn syrup + 1 tsp ground ginger |
| Sour cream | Tender texture & moisture | Full-fat Greek yogurt (same amount) |
| Brown sugar | Chewiness & caramelized warmth | Granulated sugar + 2 tbsp molasses |
| Ground ginger | Essential classic spice kick | Fresh grated ginger (use 1/3 the amount, or to taste) |
How This Easy Gingerbread Brownies Recipe Works
The key to achieving that signature brownie texture, rather than a cake-like loaf, lies in the mixing technique. Begin by creaming your butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy – this aeration forms the essential foundation for wonderfully chewy brownies. Next, incorporate the molasses, followed by your room temperature eggs and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
Here’s a crucial step: always whisk your dry ingredients separately first. Combine the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Then, gently fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this is the primary culprit behind tough, dry brownies.
- Prepare Your Pan: Use a 9×9 inch or 8×8 inch square baking pan, lining with parchment paper and greasing lightly for easy removal.
- Baking Time & Temperature: Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This is
Gingerbread Brownies: Cozy Holiday Recipe You Need
Gingerbread Brownies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Enjoy these chewy Holiday Brownies with warm, spiced flavors of ginger and molasses. This easy Gingerbread Brownies recipe brings comfort and festive taste naturally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick 113 g) unsalted butter room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup (253 g) molasses
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup (230 g) sour cream room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- confectioners’ sugar for dusting optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract beating on low until well blended.
- Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60 to 75 minutes until a toothpick comes out with few crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely about 30 minutes.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar if using. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 303
