Re-Sharing 2011 Post: Starbucks Gingerbread Bars

Now that we are on the other side of 100 days before Christmas the Holidays are going to sneak up on us and fast.  If you make baked goods for family, friends and neighbors this is a good time to try out new recipes.  The Holidays are stressful enough so try those new recipes early.  Your family will love it and when it comes time to make it to give as gifts you will know what to expect.

Starbucks Gingerbread Bars

adapted from Southern Living Christmas at Home, 2007

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1/3 cup molasses

3 Tbsp milk

Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl.  Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.  Gradually add sugars beating until well blended.  Add flour mixture a little at a time mixing on low speed, just until blended.  Add molasses, egg and milk beating just until blended.  Spread evenly in a 13 x9 inch pan lined with foil.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

1 8oz package Philadelphia Cream Cheese

3 Tbsp butter

Grated zest of one orange

1 tsp Grand Marnier

1 lb (box) powdered sugar

Candied Ginger

Beat cream cheese, butter, orange zest and Grand Marnier on medium speed until creamy.  Gradually add powdered sugar having the mixer on low then on medium beat until smooth.

Frost gingerbread and cut gingerbread into triangles placing a candied ginger on each triangle.  Store in refrigerator in a air tight container up to 7 days.  If they last that long.