Gingerbread Brownies: A Cozy Fall Delight

Name: Gingerbread Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 44 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fall is the season for cozy flavors, and what better way to embrace the warmth of autumn than with these mouthwatering Gingerbread Brownies? Combining the richness of fudgy chocolate and the aromatic spices of gingerbread, these brownies perfectly capture the essence of fall. They offer a delightful balance of flavors that will make you feel warm and content with every bite. With their moist texture and indulgent taste, they are sure to become a favorite treat during this cozy season. Whether you enjoy them on their own, savoring each bite, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence, these Gingerbread Brownies are bound to become your go-to dessert this fall.

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Brownies

There’s something magical about the combination of spices and chocolate, especially when paired with the heartwarming flavors of gingerbread. These Gingerbread Brownies are a perfect example of why fall treats hold such a special place in our hearts. They offer the rich, decadent texture of brownies while infusing the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – spices that define the season.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients Of Gingerbread Brownies

For these Gingerbread Brownies, you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of rich chocolate, sweetness, and the signature gingerbread spice blend. The molasses adds depth of flavor, while the cocoa powder ensures the brownies are fudgy and decadent.

Necessary Tools For Gingerbread Brownies

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Mixing bowls – One for your wet ingredients and one for your dry ingredients.
Whisk – To combine the sugars, butter, eggs, and molasses.
Spatula – For folding and mixing everything together smoothly.
9×13 inch baking dish – The ideal size for baking these brownies.
Parchment paper – For easy removal of the brownies from the baking dish.
Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) for the perfect baking temperature.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions – Gingerbread Brownies

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Here are a few ingredient swaps and additions you can try:

Ingredient Swaps:

Molasses: If you’re not a fan of molasses, you can replace it with dark corn syrup or honey. Keep in mind, this will slightly alter the flavor, but still keep the brownies delicious.
Butter: Then, you can swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. It will give the brownies a subtle coconut flavor.
Flour: Also, for a gluten-free option, you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Additions:

Chocolate Chips: First, you can add 1/2 cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Nuts: Also, if you love a little crunch, stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Dried Fruit: Moreover, add some dried cranberries or raisins to complement the warm spices.
Orange Zest: Finally, for a citrus twist, grate a teaspoon of fresh orange zest into the batter.

Craving a cozy, spiced treat? Check out this Gingerbread Brownies recipe on Good Food for a delightful dessert to enjoy this season!

Step-by-Step Instructions – Gingerbread Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the sides slightly for easy removal. This step is essential to avoid sticky brownies and ensures easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Then, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. The sugars should dissolve into the butter, creating a velvety mixture. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and molasses until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, in a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures a smooth batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Then you can add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them to be light and fudgy.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Then, pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the brownies will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Finally, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, slice into squares or rectangles.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Gingerbread Brownies turn out perfectly, follow these tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: First, make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures they incorporate smoothly into the batter.
Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: The cocoa powder is a key ingredient in creating a rich, chocolatey flavor, so using a high-quality cocoa powder will give your brownies the best taste.
Do Not Overmix: Moreover, overmixing the batter will result in dense brownies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies around 25 minutes. They should be soft and fudgy but not raw in the center.
Use Parchment Paper: Also, always line your baking dish with parchment paper. It’s also helpful for cutting the brownies into neat squares.

Serving Suggestions For Gingerbread Brownies

These Gingerbread Brownies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few serving suggestions:

Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream will add a rich, creamy contrast to the spiced brownies.
Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving.
Pair with Ice Cream: Gingerbread and vanilla ice cream are a match made in heaven. Try serving these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream.
Serve with Coffee or Tea: These brownies pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte.

Storing and Reheating Gingerbread Brownies

Storing:

These brownies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheating:

To reheat, warm individual brownies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. You can also reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. They’re delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 brownie):

Calories: 220
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Sugars: 22g

FAQs – Gingerbread Brownies

1. Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for best results.

2. What if I don’t like molasses?

If you don’t like molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still result in a delicious treat.

3. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They’ll taste just as good!

4. Are these brownies gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can make these brownies gluten-free. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for substitution.

5. Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit are all great additions. Feel free to get creative!

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Brownies are the ultimate fall dessert, seamlessly combining the rich decadence of chocolate with the warm, comforting spices of gingerbread. Ideal for sharing with loved ones or savoring during a quiet evening at home, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or simply as-is with a cup of coffee, these brownies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. As the weather cools, these brownies will undoubtedly become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. So, the next time you’re craving something cozy and indulgent, reach for this recipe, and let the autumn flavors take center stage. Enjoy every bite!