If you’re looking to add a burst of festive cheer to your holiday baking, this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookie bars bring together the perfect harmony of buttery richness, gooey chocolate, and colorful holiday sprinkles, all baked into one delightful treat that’s easier to share than individual cookies. They’re wonderfully soft yet have just the right amount of crispness on the edges, making every bite a celebration. Whether you’re gifting them, bringing them to a holiday party, or simply craving a sweet seasonal indulgence, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your Christmas repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is how straightforward yet essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a special role: butter and sugars create that tender, flavorful base; eggs and vanilla help bind and enrich; and the festive candies and sprinkles add pops of color and joyful bursts of sweetness throughout.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation for rich flavor and tender texture in every bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight crispness to the edges.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings moistness and a subtle caramel hint to the bars.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding all ingredients and adding structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Delivers warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure component to hold everything together.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for softness without fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for texture balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and overall depth of flavor.
- 1 cup red and green chocolate candies: Classic holiday colors that bring crunch and chocolatey fun.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy pockets of sweetness throughout the bars.
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles: For a festive, eye-catching finish and slight crunch.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cookie bars release easily after baking. This simple preparation step sets the stage for even baking and easier cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps create a tender texture. The mix of white and brown sugars also balances sweetness and moisture beautifully.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which infuses the dough with that signature warm, holiday flavor that links every ingredient together.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring carefully to combine without overmixing, which could make the bars tough. When perfectly blended, you’ll have a thick, delicious cookie dough base.
Step 5: Fold in Festive Mix-ins
Gently fold in the red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of your holiday sprinkles. These add-ins not only bring festive color but scatter sweet explosions of flavor in every bite. Saving half the sprinkles for the top adds extra sparkle.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing gently to smooth the surface. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles over the top for that final festive flourish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until you see beautiful golden edges—this signals those perfectly baked bars that are chewy in the center and just crisp enough around.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the cookie bars to cool entirely in the pan before slicing. This cooling stage lets the bars firm up, making clean cuts easier without crumbling. Once cooled, cut into 24 delightful squares ready to impress everyone at your holiday gathering.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the festive look by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an elegant touch. A few extra colorful sprinkles on each bar never hurt either—presentation matters, and these little touches amp up the holiday spirit beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these Christmas cookie bars with warm beverages like spiced hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a rich coffee to complement their sweetness. They’re perfect alongside a plate of fresh fruit or lightly salted nuts, which balance out the sugary treat and make for a well-rounded festive snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, layer cookie bars in a decorative box separated by wax paper or wrap them individually with festive foil and ribbon. At parties, arrange them on a holiday-themed platter alongside other treats like candy canes and mini gingerbread cookies for a colorful dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Christmas cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them moist and chewy while preserving that fresh-baked flavor. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature overnight. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead treat for any holiday occasion.
Reheating
If you’d like a warm bite, pop the bars in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (300°F) for just a few minutes. The warmth will soften the chocolate and boost the buttery aroma, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend in a 1-to-1 ratio. Just keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will remain festive and delicious.
What if I don’t have red and green chocolate candies?
No worries! Use any holiday-themed candies or mix in your favorite chocolate chips and nuts for a personalized twist. The bars are very forgiving and versatile in accommodating your available ingredients.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a surface that’s set but still soft in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures they remain tender and chewy rather than dry.
Can these cookie bars be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free butter or margarine and check that your chocolate candies and chips are dairy-free too. The bars will still turn out fantastic and festive with these substitutions.
What’s the best way to cut neat squares from the bars?
Make sure the bars have completely cooled before cutting, and use a sharp knife to slice slowly. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep each square looking perfect and prevents crumbling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the festive colors and cozy flavors packed into this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s an easy way to bring a little extra joy into your holiday kitchen while creating memories around sharing sweets with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a beloved part of your celebrations year after year!
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Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of these Christmas Cookie Bars, packed with colorful red and green chocolate candies, creamy white chocolate chips, and topped with cheerful holiday sprinkles. Soft, buttery, and easy to make, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet treats all season long.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup (180g) red and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
- 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (40g) holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars later.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform dough forms with no visible streaks of flour.
- Add Holiday Mix-ins: Gently fold in the red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles, ensuring even distribution without overmixing the dough.
- Spread and Bake: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly into a smooth layer. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles over the top to add festive color and texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper (if used) and cut into 24 equal squares to serve.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the cookie bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after cooling.
- You can substitute holiday-themed candies with your favorite chocolate chips or nuts.
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These bars freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
