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 rich, fudgy texture of these brownies that make the Gingerbread Brownies Recipe a standout treat in my baking repertoire. Perfect for chilly afternoons or holiday gatherings, these brownies have that cozy, aromatic appeal of gingerbread with a chocolaty twist you won’t forget.

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

Let me share why this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s not just about the deliciousness, but how easy it is to make and how it fills your house with that nostalgic holiday scent!

Easy to make: The recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have.
Perfect texture: These brownies are fudgy yet soft, balancing richness with spice beautifully.
Seasonal flavors anytime: Ginger and cinnamon bring that classic gingerbread charm without needing holiday-specific ingredients.
Impresses without fuss: Whether for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe always gets compliments.

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 blends to create the unmistakable flavor of gingerbread, with a brownie’s decadence underneath. Quick tip — use good-quality molasses for the warm depth that makes this recipe sing.

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: Melting it brings a rich, buttery flavor and ensures smooth batter.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel sweetness, enhancing the gingerbread notes.
Eggs: Helps bind everything while keeping the brownies tender and fudgy.
Molasses: The heart of gingerbread – gives deep, earthy sweetness and that signature dark color.
Vanilla extract: Balances and lifts the spice flavors beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure; be sure to measure carefully to avoid dry brownies.
Ground ginger: For that classic spicy kick that keeps each bite interesting.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and richness that complements the ginger.
Baking powder: Just enough leavening to keep brownies tender, not cakey.
Kosher salt: Enhances sweetness and spices while balancing flavors.

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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 tweaking this Gingerbread Brownies Recipe with little additions depending on the season or mood — it’s so forgiving. You’ll find a couple of my favorite variations below that bring fresh twists to the classic.

Chocolate chips or chunks: Throw in a cup of dark chocolate pieces for an extra melty surprise — it’s my go-to upgrade!
Spiced nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Gluten-free variation: Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend, and these brownies still hold their fudgy charm.
Glaze topping: A simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting ups the decadence if you have extra time.

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

Step 1: Prep your pan and oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I like to line my 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over a bit. This makes lifting the brownies out so much easier — trust me, you want neat squares without crumbling disasters.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine melted butter with the packed light brown sugar and stir well to blend. Then whisk in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract till everything is smooth and glossy. The molasses smell here always gets me excited — such a warm aroma!

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to evenly distributing those lovely spices and raising agents before adding to the wet mix.

Step 4: Bring it all together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly until just combined. Don’t overmix here — I always remind myself that a few flour streaks are better than tough brownies!

Step 5: Bake to fudgy perfection

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. For my 9×9 pan, I bake for 30-35 minutes, watching closely after 30. The edges should be set and pulling away slightly, while the center still jiggles a touch. If you use a 9×13 pan, reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes. Once out of the oven, cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and cutting.

Top Tip

Making gingerbread brownies feels like magic when you get a few techniques right. From personal experience, small details make the biggest difference.

Butter melting: Melt butter gently so it's warm but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs when added.
Measuring flour: Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping to keep brownies tender, not dry.
Baking watch: Start checking at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking — the center should look moist but not raw.
Cooling time: Letting brownies cool fully before cutting gives cleaner edges and lets flavors develop.

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

gingerbread brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often dust these brownies with a generous sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar right before serving — it gives that pretty snow-dusted look perfect for winter. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the spice and warmth.

Side Dishes

Pairing my Gingerbread Brownies with a cup of chai tea or hot cocoa is a match made in heaven. For a festive brunch, I serve them alongside cinnamon-spiced fruit compote or roasted pears to add fresh brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For the holidays, I love cutting these brownies into bite-size squares and stacking them on a tiered tray with some fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. It’s charming and makes a delightful centerpiece for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I keep leftover gingerbread brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days — perfect if you want to enjoy a treat midweek without baking again.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm for this recipe. I slice the brownies before freezing and separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They thaw quickly at room temperature, and you’d swear they’re freshly baked.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives the fudgy texture and wakes up the spicy aroma wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Using dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor and richer color, but the texture and overall taste will remain delicious. Just be sure to pack the sugar well when measuring.

How do I know when my gingerbread brownies are done baking?

Look for set edges that start pulling away from the pan slightly and a center that no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted near the center can come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can! Replace butter with a vegan alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and substitute eggs with flax eggs or other egg replacers. The texture may be slightly different but still tasty.

What’s the best way to store these brownies to keep them fresh?

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or bag. Slice before freezing for easy thawing and serving.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Brownies Recipe holds a warm place in my heart because it captures all the best things about baking — ease, flavor, and that joyful feeling of sharing something special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, whether for a cozy night in or a festive party. Remember, the magic lies in the simple blend of spices and that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so have fun baking and enjoy every bite!