Gingerbread bars

 

Every year at Christmas, I look forward to making gingerbread men.  I saw this recipe and it is MUCH easier, and decided to try it.  These are so good!  I've actually amde them twice in a week-once I brought them to work and last night I made them again to send with Michael to work.  I will still make my gingerbread men, but this 30 minute recipe is a keeper!

1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and molasses and beat until creamy. Add the egg and stir until completely incorporated. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until well combined. Press dough into pan.  Bake for 20 minutes. 

I just dusted them with powdered sugar at the end, but of course you could leave them plain.