Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup butter, melted
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Mix butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined to form the brownie batter.
- Prepare the baking pan and bake: Pour the batter into a 9×9 inch baking pan that has been greased or sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and spices: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Beat again until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and serve: Use a spatula to spread an even layer of the cream cheese frosting over the cooled brownies. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For extra festive flair, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or grated nutmeg on top of the frosting.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Molasses can be substituted with dark corn syrup if unavailable, but molasses adds traditional gingerbread flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of spices slightly according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
