Honey Ginger Chai Bars - 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies

What!!! Christmas already??? Okay, maybe not yet, but that doesn't mean we can't start baking Christmas cookies, right? After all, the season is short enough as it is, might as well draw it out.



Yup, it's time once again for the 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies. I had the pleasure of joining this group last year and had so much fun. Not to mention, I made so many new blogger friends and got recipe ideas galore. So, when I received an e-mail from Brenda, of Meal Planning Magic, saying that she was hosting it this year, I jumped at the chance to bake along with everyone once again.


For my first pick, I chose a spice cookie. Yeah, big surprise there considering my love affair with all things spicy. In fact, I'm quite tempted to make every weekly cookie post about a different spice cookie (there's that many that I want to try).

These Honey Ginger Bars were so good. They were almost like a blondie, dense and chewy, and with lovely spiciness in every bite. The icing really took it to the top and I could definitely see sprinkling this with a little candied ginger for an extra punch. The only change I would make is to add more black and white pepper next time, but that's just my personal preference. They're delicious either way.



So, what are you waiting for? Crank up that Christmas music, make some yummy cookies, and get this season started. If you want to join in too, just drop a line to Brenda and she'll send you all the info. Hope you'll bake along.


Chai Bars with Honey Ginger Icing (from Brooklyn Limestone)

1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. butter, softened
1 egg
2 c. flour
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 tsp. ginger powder
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. cloves
3/4 tsp. cardamom
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground star anise (I used white pepper instead)

Mix butter and sugars in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. Add egg and mix well. Add flour, spices, and salt, and stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Press into a 9x12 baking pan that has been greased and floured and smooth with a spatula until the dough is even and flat. Bake at 350F for 20-25 min. until the cookies are a pale golden brown. Let cool.

For the icing:

2 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. ginger powder
1 c. powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and add water until the icing is at a spreadable consistency, and spread over the cookies. Cut into squares.