Christmas Cookie Bars are like a holiday hug in dessert form—sweet, chewy, and just a tad bit festive. Imagine biting into a rich, buttery bar packed with chocolate chips and adorned with sprinkles that look like they came straight from Santa’s workshop. These delightful treats are the perfect companion for cozy evenings by the fire or as a surprise hit at your office holiday party.
Every time I whip up these Christmas Cookie Bars, I can’t help but think of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of baked goods wafting through the air. I remember her frantically trying to keep me from sneaking bites of the cookie dough while she rolled out batches of cookies. Now, I bring that nostalgia into my own kitchen with these bars that bring joy and a sprinkle of mischief to every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, so you can spend less time baking and more time enjoying the holiday season.
- Their rich flavor profile combines buttery goodness with chocolatey sweetness, making them irresistible to everyone.
- The visual appeal of these colorful bars will brighten up any dessert table during festivities.
- Versatile enough for gifting or serving at parties, these bars are sure to impress!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; use high-quality flour for better texture and taste.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these bars their rich flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal; it helps create that perfect chewy texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper flavor; light or dark brown sugar both work well.
Eggs: They bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
Baking Soda: Helps your bars rise and creates that lovely soft texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors; don’t skip this!
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips add an irresistible sweetness; feel free to mix it up with white chocolate or butterscotch chips!
Sprinkles: Because who doesn’t want a little extra festive flair?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with some nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Those Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy—think clouds but sweeter. You can use an electric mixer or channel your inner arm wrestler and do it by hand!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in those eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in a splash of vanilla extract because let’s be honest, it makes everything better.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough cookie bars.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in those glorious chocolate chips (and sprinkles if you’re feeling extra). This is where things get messy—in the best way possible.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Let those delicious smells fill your kitchen!
Once done, allow them to cool before slicing into squares—if you can resist diving right in! Transfer them onto plates for sharing or simply enjoy them warm right from the pan.
Now you’re armed with all you need to create scrumptious Christmas Cookie Bars that will have everyone begging for seconds! Enjoy bringing joy and sweetness into your holiday gatherings!
You Must Know
- These delightful Christmas cookie bars are more than just a festive treat; they bring joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings.
- With vibrant flavors and an inviting aroma, these bars will steal the show at any holiday party, making them a must-try this season.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix your dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Combine everything and spread it evenly in a baking dish for optimal baking results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for dried cranberries or nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to enhance the seasonal flavor profile of your Christmas cookie bars.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For a warm treat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect Christmas cookie bars, ensure your butter is softened but not melted.
- Use parchment paper in your baking dish for easy removal.
- Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting to avoid messy edges.
I remember the first time I made these Christmas cookie bars for my family. The kids devoured them so quickly that I barely had time to take a picture! It was pure holiday magic in every bite.
FAQs :
What are Christmas Cookie Bars?
Christmas cookie bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies. These bars combine the flavors of your favorite holiday cookies into a single, easy-to-bake treat. They often feature festive ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruits, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. The beauty of cookie bars lies in their simplicity; you can cut them into squares and serve them at parties or as gifts. By baking them in a pan, you save time without losing any of the delicious flavors associated with Christmas treats.
How long do Christmas Cookie Bars last?
When stored properly, Christmas cookie bars can last up to a week at room temperature. To maintain their freshness, place them in an airtight container. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, where they can stay good for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can remain frozen for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw before serving.
Can I customize my Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Christmas cookie bars is their versatility. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can choose different types of chocolate chips, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even incorporate your favorite nuts and dried fruits. The possibilities are endless! This customization allows everyone to make their version of these tasty treats while still keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.
Are Christmas Cookie Bars suitable for gifting?
Yes! Christmas cookie bars make fantastic gifts during the holiday season. Their compact size makes them easy to package in festive boxes or tins. You can even layer different flavors for a fun assortment that friends and family will love. Consider adding a personal touch by including a handwritten recipe card along with your gift. This thoughtful gesture will surely make your homemade treats even more special during this joyous time of year.
Conclusion for Christmas Cookie Bars :
In summary, Christmas cookie bars offer a delicious and convenient way to enjoy festive flavors during the holiday season. Their easy preparation allows you to create delightful treats that can be customized to suit personal tastes or dietary needs. Whether serving them at gatherings or gifting them to loved ones, these bars bring joy and sweetness to any celebration. With their rich flavors and beautiful presentation, they’re bound to become a cherished holiday tradition for years to come. Enjoy baking and sharing your own batch of Christmas cookie bars!
Christmas Cookie Bars
Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat that brings together rich, buttery flavors and chewy textures in every bite. Loaded with chocolate chips and topped with festive sprinkles, these bars are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying during cozy nights at home. Easy to prepare, they’re bound to become a cherished addition to your seasonal baking tradition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles gently.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or dried fruits. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
