Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting – Warm, Spiced, and Festive

Name: Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting – Warm, Spiced, and Festive
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (sifted); 0.5 cups molasses; 1 tsp ginger (ground)

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By: Maria
Posted: 01/02/2025

Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting are the ultimate holiday dessert, combining the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the rich, creamy sweetness of eggnog frosting. These fudgy brownies are infused with traditional gingerbread spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, while the smooth eggnog frosting adds a festive and indulgent touch. Perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy treat by the fireplace, these gingerbread brownies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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Ingredients:

For the gingerbread brownies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup molasses
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)

For the eggnog frosting:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions:

Make the gingerbread brownies:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
Bake the brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.

Make the eggnog frosting:

Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggnog and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until smooth and creamy.
Chill the frosting: Refrigerate the frosting for 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly before spreading.

Assemble the brownies:

Frost the brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the eggnog frosting evenly over the top of the brownies using a spatula.
Garnish: Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon and nutmeg over the frosting for a festive touch.

Serve:

Slice and serve: Cut the gingerbread brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy these decadent, festive treats with a hot cup of cocoa or holiday beverage.

Notes:

Molasses Substitute: If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Frosting Variations: For a richer frosting, you can add a bit of cream cheese to the frosting mixture for extra tang and creaminess.
Make-Ahead: These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The eggnog frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before frosting.
Freezing: You can freeze the gingerbread brownies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Conclusion:

Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting are a decadent holiday treat that brings together the rich flavors of gingerbread with the creamy, sweet goodness of eggnog. The moist, spiced brownies combined with the luscious eggnog frosting make for an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any holiday occasion. Whether served at a christmas party or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a festive and flavorful dessert that’s sure to bring joy to the season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Gingerbread Brownies and Eggnog Frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make these ahead! The gingerbread brownies can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The eggnog frosting can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator; just let it come to room temperature and re-whip before frosting the brownies. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted brownies for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for molasses in the Gingerbread Brownies?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Use an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for the molasses in the recipe (1/4 cup). Keep in mind that using honey or maple syrup will slightly alter the flavor profile of the brownies, making them less intensely gingerbread-flavored.

How do I know when the Gingerbread Brownies are perfectly baked?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Visually, the edges will appear set, and the center might still look slightly fudgy. Baking time is approximately 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry brownies.

Can I double or scale up this Gingerbread Brownie recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe! If doubling, use a 9×13 inch baking pan and increase the baking time slightly, checking for doneness with a toothpick after about 30 minutes. Adjust the frosting quantity accordingly. Remember that larger batches might require slightly longer baking times, so keep a close eye on the brownies to prevent over-baking.

Are there any nutritional highlights of these Gingerbread Brownies?

While this is a dessert, the Gingerbread Brownies offer some nutritional benefits. The molasses in the recipe provides some iron and antioxidants. The spices, like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, contain antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. The milk (or buttermilk) in the recipe provides calcium and protein.