Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies combine chewy molasses brownies with fluffy brown sugar frosting for a warm, holiday-perfect dessert.

- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 33 min
- Total Time
- 48 min
- Servings
- 9 brownies
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View on AmazonAvailable on AmazonEvery holiday season, we can’t resist the smell of ginger, cinnamon, and sugar wafting through the kitchen. These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are pure comfort soft, spiced, and topped with the dreamiest brown sugar frosting. Inspired by our mom’s Christmas baking days, we’ve turned that warmth into an easy, shareable treat for every winter table.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies combine the bold spices of gingerbread with the rich chewiness of a brownie. Imagine the comforting warmth of molasses and cinnamon blended into a dense, fudgy square, then crowned with creamy gingerbread ermine frosting. Each bite offers a cozy mix of sweetness and spice the kind that reminds you of a crackling fireplace and soft holiday lights.
The base uses melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses for that deep caramel flavor, while ground ginger and cinnamon give it its classic seasonal punch. Unlike standard brownies, these carry a festive aroma and a tender, cake-like crumb that pairs beautifully with the smooth, whipped frosting.
If you love spiced winter desserts, you’ll also adore our Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls for another quick holiday favorite. And for those who crave classic comfort, these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies are the perfect complement on any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This
There’s something irresistible about these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies. They’re soft and fudgy like classic brownies, yet infused with the warm spices that define the holidays. Every bite feels like Christmas morning comforting, rich, and full of joy.
Here’s why you’ll love making (and eating) them again and again:
- The Flavor Combo: Gingerbread spices meet deep brown sugar and molasses, creating a bold and balanced sweetness.
- The Texture: Chewy edges and soft centers topped with velvety frosting.
- The Ease: No fancy mixers needed just one bowl and a whisk.
- The Look: A luscious layer of whipped ermine frosting makes them party-perfect.
- The Versatility: Ideal for cookie exchanges, dessert trays, or cozy nights in.
These brownies also pair beautifully with festive favorites like our No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies for a nutty bite, or Sweet Potato Brownie Recipe when you want a healthier twist on chocolatey comfort.
If you’re prepping your dessert spread early, save these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies alongside our Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake it’s a true showstopper for holiday gatherings.
How to Make Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
Quick Overview
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are easy to make and bake in under an hour. You’ll start by mixing melted butter and sugar, then folding in warm spices and molasses for that signature flavor. Once baked, they’re topped with a fluffy gingerbread ermine frosting that transforms them into a holiday masterpiece.
Ingredients

| Gingerbread Brownies | Gingerbread Ermine Frosting |
|---|---|
| 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted | 1 cup (245 g) whole milk |
| 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed | 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour |
| 2 large eggs, room temperature | 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature |
| 2 tablespoons molasses | 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon gingerbread spice mix* |
| 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour | 1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
| 1 tablespoon ground ginger | |
| 2 teaspoons cinnamon | |
| 1 teaspoon baking powder | |
| ½ teaspoon kosher salt |
Gingerbread spice mix can include ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep and Mix
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter looks glossy and thick.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold this into your wet mixture until just combined don’t overmix.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28–33 minutes, until the edges are set and the center no longer jiggles. Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk milk and flour for 3–5 minutes until thick. Let cool. In a stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add the cooled milk mixture, gingerbread spice, and vanilla. Beat until light and creamy.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Slice into squares and enjoy with a warm drink or alongside these festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls for a cheerful dessert spread.
What to Serve Frosted Gingerbread Brownies With
When it comes to serving Frosted Gingerbread Brownies, think cozy and festive. These spiced treats pair beautifully with warm or creamy drinks and other holiday desserts.Casual gathering or just treating yourself — here are the ideas that work best:
Perfect Pairings
- Hot Drinks: Pair with hot cocoa, a spiced chai latte, or gingerbread coffee for that warm holiday hug.
- Cold Drinks: Try a chilled glass of eggnog or creamy vanilla milkshake to balance the spice.
- Holiday Desserts: Serve alongside Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies for a buttery complement, or plate with Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake for a dessert duo that shines at festive gatherings.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Mini Brownie Squares: Cut into bite-size pieces and stack them with toothpicks for party trays.
- Layered Dessert Cups: Alternate brownie cubes with whipped cream and crushed ginger snaps.
- Gift-Worthy Boxes: Wrap individual brownie squares in parchment and twine for edible gifts.
If you’re planning a dessert buffet, add No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies for a nutty contrast, or include Sweet Potato Brownies for a wholesome balance. For extra inspiration, check out our Facebook page and Pinterest boards filled with easy Christmas dessert ideas.
Top Tips for Perfecting Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
When it comes to nailing these Frosted Gingerbread Brownies, a few small tricks make all the difference between “good” and “unforgettable.” Here’s how to make sure every batch comes out perfectly spiced, rich, and soft:
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold eggs can cause the butter to seize, leading to uneven texture. Let your eggs and butter rest at room temp before mixing.
2. Don’t Overmix
Once you add the dry ingredients, stir only until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can make your brownies dense and tough instead of chewy.
3. Balance the Spice
If you love bold ginger flavor, add an extra half teaspoon of ground ginger or gingerbread spice. Want it milder? Reduce the molasses slightly.
4. Chill Before Cutting
For clean slices, refrigerate the frosted brownies for 30 minutes before cutting. It helps the frosting firm up beautifully for neat edges.
5. Double the Batch for Sharing
These go fast! We often double the recipe when making treats for neighbors or holiday parties. Frost after cooling completely, then slice and layer between parchment squares in a tin.
For more holiday baking success, check out our festive Christmas Chocolate Rice Krispie Balls or cozy Sweet Potato Brownies. Both are simple yet crowd-pleasing favorites!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Keeping your Frosted Gingerbread Brownies soft and flavorful is simple with a few smart storage tricks.Saving for later or prepping for a party — here’s how to keep them bakery-fresh:
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator: To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to 7 days. Let brownies sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
How to Reheat
- Microwave Method: Warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the frosting without melting it.
- Oven Method: Reheat unfrosted brownies at 300°F for 5–8 minutes if you prefer a fresh-baked texture. Then frost once cooled.
Pair your reheated squares with a warm drink and another cozy treat like our No-Bake Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies the nutty sweetness complements these spiced brownies beautifully. For more creative serving ideas, check out our Pinterest boards full of festive dessert inspiration.
FAQs
What makes Frosted Gingerbread Brownies different from regular brownies?
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses giving them that signature warm, festive flavor. The frosting is a smooth, whipped ermine style made with brown sugar for a buttery, caramel-like finish.
Can I make Frosted Gingerbread Brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies up to two days in advance. Store them unfrosted, tightly wrapped at room temperature, then frost right before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I freeze Frosted Gingerbread Brownies?
Definitely. Once frosted and sliced, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you’re out of molasses, substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup. The flavor won’t be as rich, but you’ll still get a sweet and spiced brownie.
For more cozy inspiration, try our Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies or Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake, both perfect additions to a holiday dessert table.
Conclusion
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies are everything we love about the holidays soft, spiced, and layered with creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. They’re the kind of dessert that brings family together, warms up the kitchen, and fills the house with that unmistakable scent of Christmas joy. So grab your whisk, preheat your oven, and make these brownies the star of your holiday baking lineup.
Stay connected for more festive desserts on our Facebook page and Pinterest boards.
Frosted Gingerbread Brownies
- Total Time: 48 min
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Frosted Gingerbread Brownies combine chewy molasses brownies with fluffy brown sugar frosting for a warm, holiday-perfect dessert.
Ingredients
1 cup melted butter
1 ½ cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
1 tbsp ground ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup milk
5 tbsp flour
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp gingerbread spice
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and line pan with parchment.
- Mix: Combine melted butter and sugar; add eggs, molasses, and vanilla.
- Dry: Whisk dry ingredients separately, then fold into wet mixture.
- Bake: Spread in pan, bake 28–33 minutes until set.
- Frosting Base: Whisk milk and flour on medium heat until thick; cool.
- Cream: Beat butter and brown sugar; add cooled mixture and spices.
- Finish: Spread frosting over cooled brownies, slice, and serve.
Notes
Store at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. For clean slices, chill before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 33 min
- Category: Baked Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg

Emma and Ella Frost are twin sisters and co-founders of The Cooking Twins. They test every recipe together, from easy comfort food and weeknight dinners to no-bake desserts and cheesecakes.
Must‑Have Kitchen Equipment for This Recipe:
- Instant Pot Duo Plus 6‑Qt 9‑in‑1 Programmable Pressure Cooker
- Instant Vortex Plus 6‑Qt Air Fryer (ClearCook + OdorErase)
- Aucma 6.5‑Qt 6‑Speed Tilt‑Head Stand Mixer
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