Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsulfured Molasses: ¾ cup
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick, softened)
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed)
- Eggs: 2 large
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon
- Ground Ginger: 2 teaspoons
- Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with cooking spray for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the molasses, ensuring a smooth and fully incorporated mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or a mixer on low speed.
- Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a chewy texture.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor.
- Measuring Flour: Spoon and level your flour to avoid adding too much, which can make the bars dense.
- Additions: Consider adding white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.