I still remember the first time I baked spiced gingerbread brownies. It was right before the holidays, and my friend brought a batch over to our little gathering. The moment I bit into those brownies, the cozy warmth of ginger and cinnamon mixed with that rich chocolate hit me like a delicious hug. It wasn’t just dessert; it was something that turned ordinary nights into memorable moments. That’s when I knew I had to make spiced gingerbread brownies a regular in my kitchen.
What You’ll Need:

For this spiced gingerbread brownies recipe, here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses (you’ll find this near the baking syrups or natural sweeteners in the store)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (helps give those molasses brownies with spices a nice chocolate depth)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but I love it for that ginger and cinnamon brownies extra warmth)
No problem if you don’t have ground cloves on hand. You can leave it out or bump the cinnamon a little higher — I’ve made this spiced gingerbread brownies both ways without losing any magic.
A quick tip: If you want to swap molasses, a dark corn syrup can work in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that classic gingerbread bite. Just something to keep in mind if your pantry is looking bare.
This spiced gingerbread brownies recipe uses ingredients you probably already have, so you’re not adding extra trips or big grocery bills. The spices keep things affordable since a little goes a long way here. Plus, keeping your spices fresh helps keep your brownies tasting vibrant. Store any leftover ginger, cinnamon, or cloves in a cool, dry place sealed tight.
My secret twist? I like adding just an extra dash of cinnamon on top of the batter before baking. It smells heavenly and gives a little pop of color.
To save prep time, melt your butter while you measure out the dry ingredients—that way you’re using every minute wisely.
If you want to peek at other gingerbread-inspired treats for inspiration, check out this gingerbread protein snacks post—it’s perfect if you want a healthier spin on holiday dessert brownies.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Making spiced gingerbread brownies is as satisfying as it is delicious. From start to finish, this recipe takes about 40-45 minutes, and the results are worth every minute.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps your spiced gingerbread brownies come out clean every time.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove, then stir in the sugar and molasses until you have a smooth, syrupy mix. The molasses is what really gives these brownies that rich, warm flavor.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter will start to look glossy here—perfect when making these ginger and cinnamon brownies.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. These dry spices bring the spiced chocolate brownies signature warm kick.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Don’t overmix—this is where many home cooks rush and end up with tough brownies. Patience is your friend here.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. I always sprinkle a small extra pinch of cinnamon on top. It’s a simple touch but makes the kitchen smell incredible while baking.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges will firm up nicely, and your house will smell like a holiday bakery.
If your spiced gingerbread brownies look soft in the middle but the toothpick tests clean, don’t worry—pull them out before they dry out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
While these brownies are baking, use that time to clean up your prep area or set the table. Multitasking in the kitchen feels good when you see everything come together.
When cool, slice into squares and get ready to wow your family and friends. I learned early on that cutting spiced gingerbread brownies while they’re still warm leads to crumbly edges, so giving them at least 20 minutes to cool is worth it.
If you want to see how others do this, there’s a fun secret weapon trick over at I Am Baker’s holiday gingerbread brownies post that complements this recipe perfectly.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!

Spiced gingerbread brownies easily become the star of dessert or snack time. I like to serve them just as they are, letting the flavors of molasses and spices shine without any fuss.
For a cozy twist, try warming a brownie slightly and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between warm and cool makes these gingerbread brownie recipe treats feel extra special.
These brownies pair beautifully with hot drinks too—think spiced cider, chai tea, or even a rich coffee. I often bring a batch to holiday get-togethers where the familiar scent draws everyone over.
If you’re feeding a crowd, cut these into bite-sized squares and arrange them with simple holiday garnishes like fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Presentation then feels elevated without added effort.
Leftovers? No problem. I love turning them into layered parfaits with yogurt and fresh fruit or crumbling them over vanilla pudding for an easy dessert upgrade.
Spiced gingerbread brownies work well during holiday seasons but hold their ground year-round. Looking for ideas? Check out More Than You Can Chew’s take on gingerbread brownies for some creative seasonal spins.
Doesn’t hurt that guests often ask for the recipe after tasting these—always makes me smile.
If your crowd enjoys these flavors, they’ll adore my mint Oreo brownies too—another delicious spin on holiday dessert brownies.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make spiced gingerbread brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely. These brownies hold up well for 2-3 days stored airtight at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. I often bake ahead when hosting holiday dinners and keep them frozen, then thaw at room temp the day before serving.
What’s the best substitute for molasses in this spiced gingerbread brownies?
If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or even maple syrup can work. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but the sweet depth will still be there. I’ve swapped molasses for maple syrup in a pinch, and the warm spices carried the brownies well.
Can I adjust this spiced gingerbread brownies recipe for more or fewer servings?
Yes, scaling is easy. Just keep the ratios the same and use a larger or smaller pan — baking time might need adjusting. I once doubled the batch for a big family gathering with excellent results.
How do I get that perfect fudgy texture in spiced chocolate brownies?
Don’t overmix the batter and don’t overbake. Checking early with a toothpick is key. This is where many home cooks stumble, but patience pays off.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add nice texture, and chocolate chips double down on the chocolate flavor. Both options work well if you want to customize your gingerbread brownie recipe.
Are these ginger and cinnamon brownies suitable for freezing?
Yes, cut into squares and freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a container. When thawing, let them come to room temp for best texture.
Can I make this spiced gingerbread brownies gluten-free?
I’ve experimented using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with success. Just make sure your cocoa powder and spices are also gluten-free. The flavor stays true and it’s a great option for guests with dietary needs.
For more insights on perfect brownies, check out Tessa’s brownie obsession. Her tips align well with what I’ve learned here.
Final Thoughts
Spiced gingerbread brownies have become a cornerstone recipe in my kitchen. They combine the deep molasses flavor with warming spices like ginger and cinnamon in a way that feels nostalgic yet fresh. Whether it’s dessert for a busy weeknight or part of a holiday spread, these brownies always bring a smile.
My Best spiced gingerbread brownies Tips:
- Don’t rush mixing the wet and dry ingredients; gentle folding preserves fudginess.
- Let the brownies cool for at least 20 minutes for neat slices.
- A pinch of extra cinnamon on top adds aroma and visual appeal.
I’ve tested several variations: adding chopped crystallized ginger for an extra zing, swirling cream cheese into the batter, and even adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. The one most requested by friends is the classic spiced gingerbread brownies with that rich molasses taste and warm spices.
Feel free to make this recipe your own—swap nuts, add chocolate chunks, or adjust spices to suit your family’s taste. Cooking should never feel like a chore, especially when it leads to delicious, approachable treats like this.
I hope you enjoy making these spiced gingerbread brownies as much as I do. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a reliable favorite in your baking lineup. Happy baking, fellow cooks!
And if you want a few more festive baked goods to try alongside, don’t miss my ginger-spiced apple holiday bake for something equally simple and satisfying.
Thank you for letting me share the joy of spiced gingerbread brownies with you. Baking these brownies feels like wrapping your kitchen in all the best holiday memories, no matter what time of year it is. Give the recipe a go—you’ve got this!
spiced gingerbread brownies
Delight in these rich spiced gingerbread brownies that combine classic gingerbread flavors with fudgy chocolate for a cozy dessert perfect for the holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or top with whipped cream before serving.