Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms the classic gingerbread into an irresistible, grown-up treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Four Roses White Chocolate Bourbon Gingerbread Bars are not just a dessert – they're a decadent experience that blends the warm, spicy notes of traditional gingerbread with the smooth, rich complexity of bourbon and the luxurious sweetness of white chocolate. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or treat yourself to a moment of pure indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to become your new favorite seasonal sensation.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup Four Roses bourbon
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until well combined and no lumps remain. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add molasses and Four Roses bourbon to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in white chocolate chips gently using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 even bars.
- Serve at room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Check for Doneness: A toothpick with a few moist crumbs is perfect – avoid overbaking, which can dry out the bars.
- Bourbon Substitution: If you prefer, you can replace the Four Roses bourbon with milk or additional molasses for a non-alcoholic version.
- Storage Hack: To keep bars fresh and moist, store in an airtight container with a slice of bread, which helps maintain moisture.
- Serving Suggestion: These bars are delightful at room temperature, but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
