Ingredients

2cupsall-purpose flourplus 2 tablespoons

1½tspground ginger

1tspground cinnamon

¼tspground nutmeg

¼tspground cloves

1tspbaking soda

½tsp salt

¾cupunsalted buttermelted and cooled slightly

1cuplight brown sugarpacked

¼cupmolassesunsulphured

1large egg

2tspvanilla extract

½cupbutternearly at room temperature

8ozcream cheesenearly at room temperature

2½cupspowdered sugar

½tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, then set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda and salt for 20 seconds, then set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together butter, brown sugar and molasses until combined.

Mix in egg and vanilla extract.

With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in flour mixture and mix until combined. Fold batter with a spatula as needed until batter appears to be evenly incorporated.

Pour the dough into prepared baking dish, then spread and press into an even layer using hands.

Bake until bars have baked through, about 14 to 17 minutes.

Transfer baking dish to a wire rack and let bars cool completely.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.

Add in powdered sugar and vanilla then mix until light and fluffy.

Spread frosting over cooled bars.

Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy!