GINGERBREAD BARS

GINGERBREAD BARS WITH EGGNOG CREAM CHEESE FROSTING For the Bars ½ C butter, softened ½ C sugar ⅓ C brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 tbsp molasses 2 C all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp ginger ¼ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp allspice ½ tsp salt For the Frosting 4 oz cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp butter, softened 1¼ C powdered sugar 1 tbsp eggnog sprinkles, optional Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray a 9x9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In the bowl of stand mixer or with an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugars. Add in egg, vanilla, and molasses and beat until creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and beat until combined. Spread batter into prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges start to turn golden brown. Remove to a wire rack to cool. While bars are cooling, prepare frosting. Cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in powder sugar and eggnog. Beat until smooth. Spread frosting over cooled bars. Top with sprinkles.