Name: Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 2 eggs; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/3 cup molasses; 3 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar, divided; 4 oz. softened cream cheese, cut into 8 pieces; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1-2 tablespoons eggnog; Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 14 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with you because it’s one of those rare desserts that feels like a warm, festive hug wrapped up in every bite. The rich, spiced gingerbread base combined with a luscious, creamy frosting that hints of eggnog makes this treat utterly irresistible to me, especially during cozy holiday gatherings. It’s a perfect balance between classic seasonal flavors and fudgy brownie decadence that I find myself craving year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is the dazzling flavor profile. You get that deep, molasses-rich gingerbread flavor with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, and then it’s perfectly elevated by the creamy eggnog-infused frosting. The semisweet chocolate folded into the batter adds a luscious, subtle depth that makes every bite so complex yet familiar. When I bring these to holiday parties or family dinners, people always rave about how different and delicious they are compared to your typical brownies or gingerbread treats.

Aside from the heavenly taste, one of the reasons I keep coming back to this Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how manageable it is in the kitchen. Despite the rich flavors, it’s a straightforward bake with simple steps and common ingredients, which is a huge plus when holiday schedules get hectic. I also love that it yields a generous 24 servings, so it’s perfect for sharing with a crowd or saving leftovers (which are just as good the next day!). Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, hosting a winter brunch, or simply want a sweet seasonal dessert, this recipe stands out as a go-to for me every year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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Before diving in, let me tell you how I appreciate the simplicity yet significance of these ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony in the brownies and the frosting. From the aromatic spices to the creamy components, every element is essential and thoughtfully chosen.

Semisweet chocolate, 4 oz. chopped: Adds richness and depth to the batter with a smooth chocolate undertone.
Unsalted butter, 8 tablespoons: Provides moisture, tenderness, and that classic buttery flavor.
All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The foundation that gives structure to the brownies.
Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup: Boosts the chocolate flavor without making it overpowering.
Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Essential warming spice that brings gingerbread to life.
Baking powder and baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon each: Work together to give just the right rise and tender crumb.
Ground ginger, nutmeg, salt, each 1/2 teaspoon: Key spices that create the iconic gingerbread taste balance.
Ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a subtle, aromatic intensity to the spice mix.
Eggs, 2: Bind the batter and contribute to a fudgy texture.
Light brown sugar, 1 cup packed: Adds moisture and a melty caramel note.
Molasses, 1/3 cup: The heart of gingerbread flavor—deeply sweet and slightly bittersweet.
Crystallized ginger, 3 tablespoons finely chopped: Offers little spicy bursts and chewy texture inside.
Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
Softened unsalted butter for frosting, 4 tablespoons: Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
Powdered sugar, 2 1/4 cups divided: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Cream cheese, 4 oz. softened and cut into pieces: Provides tanginess and luscious texture for the frosting.
Ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds festive spice to the frosting.
Eggnog, 1-2 tablespoons: Infuses the frosting with a classic holiday flavor and smoothness.
Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling: A finishing touch to make it look and taste festive.

Directions

Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature helps the brownies bake evenly without drying out.

Step 2: Line a 9×13 inch pan with a large piece of foil lengthwise so you can lift the brownies out easily once they’re baked. Grease or spray the foil lightly with butter or nonstick cooking spray mixed with a bit of flour. Set this aside for now.

Step 3: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the 8 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped semisweet chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften. Then whisk together until the mixture is smooth and shiny with no lumps.

Step 4: While the chocolate mixture is resting, whisk all the dry ingredients for the brownie batter in a medium bowl: the flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. Set this dry mix aside.

Step 5: In a large bowl (this will be your bowl two), whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, molasses, chopped crystallized ginger, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then pour in the melted chocolate and butter mixture, whisking gently to combine.

Step 6: Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients carefully, mixing just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.

Step 7: Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer with the spatula. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Be sure to rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the foil overhang to lift them out gently when cool.

Step 9: For the eggnog cream cheese frosting, beat the softened butter and 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar together with a handheld mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

Step 10: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and add softened cream cheese pieces one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until smooth and creamy.

Step 11: Add the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of eggnog to the frosting mixture and beat again until well combined.

Step 12: Gradually add the remaining 1 cup powdered sugar, beating continuously. If the frosting is too thick, add more eggnog one teaspoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.

Step 13: Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies. To finish, lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top for a beautiful festive touch.

Servings and Timing

This Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe yields approximately 24 generous servings, making it an excellent choice for larger gatherings or sharing during the holiday season. The prep time is about 20 minutes, which includes making the batter and preparing the frosting. Baking takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes, and be sure to allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting, which can take an additional 30 minutes or so. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour from start to finish, including some resting time to get that perfect slice.

How to Serve This Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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When it comes to serving these gingerbread brownies, I love presenting them as squares on a festive platter, maybe dusted lightly with extra cinnamon or even a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect. These treats taste fabulous at room temperature, but I also enjoy them slightly chilled from the fridge for a refreshing contrast of creamy frosting and rich brownie. If serving at a party, I like to plate them alongside spiced nuts or fresh cranberries, which add a pleasant tartness and crunch.

For beverage pairings, a hot cup of spiced chai or mulled wine complements the warm spices beautifully and enhances the cozy vibe. If you’re after non-alcoholic options, an eggnog latte or cinnamon-infused hot chocolate pairs wonderfully and matches the flavors in the frosting. I’ve also found that these brownies make a delightful after-dinner dessert at holiday family dinners or festive office potlucks, where their unique twist on classic gingerbread always gets noticed and applauded.

If you want to make the serving more special, consider cutting the brownies into smaller, bite-sized portions arranged on a wooden serving board with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few star anise for decoration. This not only looks seasonal but adds a subtle fragrant touch that guests appreciate. Personally, I recommend serving these as a sweet finish to a holiday meal or as a cheerful dessert during a winter brunch gathering.

Variations

One of the fun things about this Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how flexible it is. If you want to experiment, swapping out the crystallized ginger for candied orange peel adds a wonderful citrus note that brightens the richness. For a twist on the frosting, try using mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a lighter, silkier texture. I’ve also played with adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for some crunch and nuttiness, which I recommend if you like your brownies with a bit of bite.

If you’re looking to accommodate dietary preferences, I’ve had success making this recipe gluten-free by using a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour that includes xanthan gum, which maintains the chewy texture nicely. Vegan adjustments can be a bit trickier here, but substituting the butter with coconut oil, using flax “eggs” in place of real eggs, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative can work with careful handling, especially with the frosting’s consistency. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

For a creative method, instead of baking in a 9×13 pan, you could try this batter in muffin tins for individual gingerbread brownie bites, reducing the baking time to about 18 minutes. This is great for parties or gifts because they’re portable and easy to serve. Whatever way you choose to make it, the balance of spices and richness is what makes this recipe so special to me, and I always encourage a little personal flair.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once you have some leftovers, these brownies keep beautifully if stored properly. I like to place the brownies in an airtight container to preserve their moisture and keep the frosting fresh. They can sit comfortably on the counter for up to 2 days, especially in a cool kitchen, but after that, I move them to the refrigerator to extend their life up to 5 days. Just make sure the container is sealed well to prevent the frosting from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

This Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe actually freezes well, which is something I love when prepping ahead for the holidays. I cut the brownies into individual squares and freeze them on a baking sheet initially to keep them separate and then transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. They’re good frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. Keep in mind the frosting might firm up, but it softens quickly once warmed slightly.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these brownies warm, I recommend gently reheating individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as the frosting can melt or separate. Alternatively, I sometimes pop the brownies in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-7 minutes just to warm them through without damaging the texture. Avoid reheating large pans of brownies directly with frosting as it can become runny. Warming them slightly really brings out the spices and makes the cream cheese frosting wonderfully soft.

FAQs

Can I make the brownies without the eggnog frosting?

Absolutely! The gingerbread brownies themselves are delicious on their own with rich spices and chocolate undertones. If you prefer, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar instead of frosting for a simpler treat.

Is it possible to use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

While you technically can swap in granulated sugar, I highly recommend sticking with light brown sugar because it adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor that’s essential to the gingerbread taste and brownie texture.

Can I prepare the frosting in advance?

Yes! You can make the eggnog cream cheese frosting a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir or beat with a mixer before spreading it on the cooled brownies to restore its fluffiness.

What if I don’t have crystallized ginger?

If crystallized ginger isn’t available, you can finely chop some fresh ginger and lightly sauté it to soften, then cool before folding into the batter. It won’t be exactly the same chewy texture, but the spicy note will still be there.

How do I get the brownies to stay fudgy and not dry?

The key is to monitor your baking time closely and remove the brownies as soon as a toothpick inserted in the center has a few moist crumbs attached. Also, folding the dry ingredients just until combined helps maintain a tender and fudgy texture.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a try because it’s become one of my absolute favorite festive desserts to bake and share. Its comforting blend of spices, chocolate, and creamy frosting feels like the perfect treat for chilly winter days and joyful celebrations. Once you make it, I’m confident it will become a treasured recipe in your seasonal baking rotation just as it is in mine!