Gingerbread Bars
Ingredients:
- butter, softened - 1/2 cup
- sugar - 1/2 cup
- packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup
- egg - 1
- vanilla extract - 3/4 t
- molasses - 1/4 cup
- cinnamon - 1/2 t
- cloves - 1/8 t
- nutmeg - 1/8 t
- ground ginger - 1/2 t
- salt - 1/2 t
- flour - 2 cups
- baking soda - 1 t
- cream cheese, softened - 4 ounces
- butter, softened - 1/4 cup
- powdered sugar - 1 cup
- vanilla extract - 1/2 t
Instructions:
Line a 12 1/4 inch x 8 3/4 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, spray with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, sugar and brown sugar together light and fluffy. Stir in egg, 3/4 t vanilla and molasses, beat for 1 - 2 minutes or until it turns a light brown color. Stir in remaining ingredients, mix until dry ingredients are just combined. Evenly spread mixture into prepared pan. Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for 20 - 22 minutes or until edges are barely starting to brown. Cool completely before frosting.
Prepare frosting -- beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, powdered sugar and 1/2 t vanilla until smooth. Evenly spread over bars and cut into squares. Store in air tight container.
