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 truly comforting about the warm spices and chewy texture in these brownies that just feels like a cozy hug from the kitchen. This Gingerbread Brownies Recipe blends the best of gingerbread’s festive flavors with the fudgy satisfaction of a brownie—making it a delightful twist you’ll want to make time and again.

Three square pieces of light brown cake are stacked on top of each other. Each cake piece has a soft, crumbly texture and is dusted with a thin layer of white powdered sugar on top. The edges of the cakes look slightly rough, showing the moist inside. The background has a soft dark blur, and the cakes sit on a white marbled surface with some powdered sugar scattered around. 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

Honestly, when I first made this recipe, I wasn't sure if gingerbread and brownies would play nicely together. But wow, the taste blew me away! It’s a sweet and spicy combo that tastes like the holidays in every bite—even when it’s the middle of summer.

Unique Flavor Fusion: Combines gingerbread spices with classic brownie texture for a deliciously surprising treat.
Simple to Make: Uses common pantry ingredients and straightforward steps—perfect for any skill level.
Versatile for Occasions: Great for holiday parties, casual snacks, or even a cozy weeknight dessert.
Delightfully Chewy & Moist: The balance of molasses and butter keeps these brownies beautifully tender.

A white square baking dish with a red rim holds a batch of nine evenly cut, soft brown squares. Each square has a slightly cracked top sprinkled lightly with powdered sugar. One square is being lifted out with a rustic knife that has a metal blade and a dark wooden handle. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with some green pine branches and a white cloth nearby. Two stacked white plates sit in the top right corner. The overall look is warm and cozy with a simple festive touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Gingerbread Brownies Recipe plays a special role in nailin’ that perfect texture and spicy gingerbread flavor. Here’s why they’re a winning combo—and a couple of tips so you get the best results.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown packed sugar, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of dark amber molasses, a small white ceramic bowl of pale golden vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with warm brown ground ginger powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing rich brown cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of white baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine kosher salt, and a small white ceramic dish with a delicate dusting of white confectioners' sugar, 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: Melted butter adds richness and moisture without overpowering; using unsalted lets you control salt levels.
Light brown sugar: Packed brown sugar brings deep caramel notes and helps keep that chewy brownie texture.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better, giving you a smoother batter and a tender crumb.
Molasses: The magic touch that turns these brownies into gingerbread; it adds warmth and depth.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds sweetness.
All-purpose flour: The base for structure; whisked with spices to keep it light and even.
Ground ginger: Sharp, fragrant, and key to that gingerbread zing.
Cinnamon: Classic warm spice pairing that balances the ginger.
Baking powder: A little lift to keep brownies from being too dense.
Kosher salt: Just enough salt to highlight sweetness and spice.
Confectioners' sugar: For dusting and a touch of pretty sweetness after baking.

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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 to switch things up depending on the season or my mood. This Gingerbread Brownies Recipe lends itself really well to little tweaks that keep it exciting—and you’ll find it’s easy to personalize to your taste!

Add chopped nuts: I sometimes fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch and extra warmth.
Make it dairy-free: Swap melted butter for a plant-based alternative; just be sure your molasses and sugar fit your dietary needs.
Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, a dash of freshly grated black pepper or ground cloves amps the spice complexity in a fun way.
Frosting option: I sometimes top these with a cream cheese glaze for extra tang and creaminess.

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

Step 1: Prep with care

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this is key so your brownies don’t stick and come out cleanly when you slice them. Having everything ready here makes the rest of the process smooth.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, stir melted butter and packed brown sugar until they’re nicely combined and slightly glossy. Then add in your eggs (room temp helps them blend easily), molasses, and vanilla extract. Mixing these well creates that rich, spiced-sweet base flavor.

Step 3: Whisk the dry ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt so the spices are evenly spread. This step keeps your brownies flavorful in every bite.

Step 4: Combine and bake

Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix here, or your brownies might get tough. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set and the center doesn’t jiggle—use a toothpick if you're unsure. For a bigger 9×13-inch pan, reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Cool, dust, and serve

Cooling your brownies completely before dusting with confectioners' sugar is a game-changer—it keeps the topping light and pretty, plus makes it easier to cut clean squares. Slice and enjoy!

Top Tip

Having made these brownies a dozen times, I've picked up a few tricks that really help get the texture and flavor just right — I’m happy to share so your Gingerbread Brownies Recipe turns out perfect every time.

Butter Temp Matters: Melt your butter slowly and don’t let it get too hot—it should be warm but not boiling to keep eggs from scrambling when mixed.
Don’t Skip Parchment: Lining your pan makes cleanup so easy and ensures you can lift out brownies in one piece, especially important with chewy textures.
Check Doneness Early: Ovens vary—start checking at the lower end of the baking time, especially if you want fudgier brownies, and watch for that slight jiggle in the center.
Cool Fully Before Cutting: Patience pays off—a warm pan can cause your cut edges to crumble; cooled brownies are more cohesive.

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

gingerbread brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here with a dusting of confectioners' sugar to highlight the warm tones, but sometimes I sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze if I want something extra festive.

Side Dishes

This brownie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee is my go-to drink for a perfect cozy combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to cut these into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks. The scent adds to the experience and makes the presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover gingerbread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The spices actually seem to deepen in flavor after resting a day or two, so it's often better the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temp.

Reheating

I like to gently warm brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven wrapped in foil—this brings back that just-baked softness without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor, which complements the gingerbread spices nicely. Just keep in mind it might make the brownies slightly moister.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The edges should be set and pulling slightly away from the pan, and the center will no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. Baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them during baking.

Why is molasses important in this recipe?

Molasses gives these brownies their signature gingerbread flavor and rich color. It adds moisture and a subtle bittersweet depth that you just can’t get from other sweeteners.

Final Thoughts

Making this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe always feels like a treat and a bit of magic in the kitchen. I hope when you try it, you get the same cozy, joyful feeling I do—whether it’s a special holiday or just a regular day that needs a little sweetness and spice. Go ahead and make them your own, and don’t forget to savor every bite!