Name: Spiced Chewy Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ground ginger.; 2 teaspoons cinnamon.; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted.; 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 2 large eggs, room temperature.; Confectioners' sugar for dusting.; 1 teaspoon baking powder.; 2 tablespoons molasses.; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.

Close-up of four powdered brownies placed on parchment. | kylierecipes.com

These Gingerbread Brownies bring a touch of holiday wonder to my home. They perfectly blend that fudgy, dense brownie feel with spicy gingerbread warmth in a way that's just magical. When they're baking, my house fills with ginger and cinnamon scents that make everything around me feel instantly festive.

Easy But Impressive

The thing I really adore about these brownies is how they turn basic stuff from your pantry into something that wows everyone. They don't take much effort but taste like they're from a fancy bakery. You can dust them with sugar or add some creamy topping - either way, they'll brighten up any holiday get-together.

Ingredients List

Butter: Melted from two sticks for maximum decadence.
Brown Sugar: The light variety adds subtle caramel hints.
Eggs: Make sure they're not cold for better mixing.
Molasses: Gives that rich sweetness we all want.
Vanilla: Brings a lovely background flavor.
Flour: Don't rush measuring this for best results.
Spices: The cinnamon and ginger combo screams holidays.
Leavening: A bit of baking powder gives just enough rise.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
Powdered Sugar: Creates that pretty snow-like finish.

Baking Instructions

Prep Work: First thing I do is warm my oven to 350°F and put parchment in my pan with extra hanging over the sides for easy brownie removal later.
Wet Mixture: There's something satisfying about stirring butter and brown sugar together, then adding eggs, molasses and vanilla until everything looks glossy.
Spice Blend: Mixing the spices with flour creates the most incredible smell in your kitchen.
Baking Time: Make sure to spread your batter nice and even before popping it in - and yes, that 30-minute wait feels like forever.
Final Touch: You've got to let them cool completely before adding that sugar dust for the prettiest holiday brownies.

A plate of chocolate brownies dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by pine branches and a red checkered cloth. | kylierecipes.com

Storage Tips

You can keep these treats fresh in a sealed container for a few days. I sometimes wrap individual brownies and tuck them in the freezer where they'll stay good for months. Just let them come to room temp and they'll taste almost like fresh-baked again.

Customization Ideas

I enjoy trying different toppings on these brownies. Sometimes I'll whip up cream cheese frosting, other times I'll go for a caramel drizzle. Throwing chocolate chips into the mix creates amazing melty spots throughout, and adding some crunchy nuts gives great texture contrast.

Quick Adjustments

These brownies won't mind if you need to swap things around. Got salted butter? Just cut back on the extra salt. Only have dark brown sugar? That'll work too and add extra depth. And always go for unsulphured molasses to get that real gingerbread taste.

Playing With Flavors

I love how ginger and cinnamon work together for that classic gingerbread feel we all crave. I'll often tweak the spice amounts depending on who's eating them - more kick for spice fans or toned down for folks who want something milder.

Basic Equipment

You probably already have everything you need to make these. My favorite mixing bowls, a good spatula and a square baking pan do the trick. I can't stress enough how helpful parchment paper is - it makes taking out the brownies so easy and cleanup goes much faster.

Seasonal Joy

These brownies have become a must-have in my holiday baking lineup. The way they mix that warm gingerbread flavor with chewy brownie texture makes them stand out. Whether I'm wrapping them as presents or putting them out at parties, they always make people smile.

Holiday Spreads

I love adding these to my holiday treat collections. They really pop on a dessert table next to other Christmas goodies like spiced cookies or gingerbread cake. There's something about their rich flavor and chewy bite that makes them special among all the seasonal treats.

Sweet Traditions

Making these brownies always reminds me what makes holiday baking so wonderful. It's not just about eating something tasty but sharing warmth and happiness during celebrations. They're perfect for family gatherings or as homemade gifts that spread holiday cheer.

Cozy Indulgence

What makes these brownies so great is how they blend familiar tastes in a fresh way. They're simple enough for a random Tuesday but fancy enough for special moments too. Each bite mixes the comfort of a classic brownie with the nostalgic flavor of holiday gingerbread.

A stack of rich, powdered-sugar-dusted brownies rests on a wooden surface, surrounded by festive pinecones and greenery. | kylierecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know if they’re ready?: Check the edges—they should look firm while the center feels just set. Avoid leaving them in too long or they’ll dry out.
→ Is blackstrap molasses okay?: Stick to regular (unsulphured) molasses. Blackstrap has a stronger flavor that may overpower the sweetness here.
→ Why are they crumbly?: Too much flour can make them dry. Measure it gently, spooning into the cup instead of scooping from the bag.
→ Can I mix in chocolate?: White chocolate chips add a creamy balance, keeping the gingerbread spices in the spotlight.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?: Keep in a snug, sealed container at room temp for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them, and they’ll last about 3 months.

Spiced Chewy Brownies