Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines the classic flavors of soft, chewy cookies with festive decorations. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy snack, they bring warmth and joy to any celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup festive sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Step 7: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the festive sprinkles over the batter for a holiday touch.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy your festive Christmas Cookie Bars!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute nuts with dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries for a fruity twist.
• Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a change in flavor.
• For softer bars, bake closer to 25 minutes; for firmer bars, bake up to 30 minutes.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm holiday spice note.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the taste and consistency of the bars.

How can I make these cookie bars vegan?

To make them vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

These festive Christmas Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of buttery cookie dough with chocolate chips, optional nuts, and colorful sprinkles, baked into a single pan for easy sharing. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these bars offer a delightful treat that’s simple to make and sure to please a crowd.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookie bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup festive sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the cookie bars.
2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift out the cookie bars after baking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to prepare the dry base for the cookie dough.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie bars tender.
6. Add the Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Spread the Batter in the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the edges and smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake the Cookie Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cookie Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Cut and Serve: Once fully cooled, cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles. Decorate with festive sprinkles on top if desired, then serve and enjoy your holiday treat!

Notes

• For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with additional chocolate chips.
• Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender texture in the cookie bars.
• Parchment paper makes for easier removal and cleaner slicing of the bars once baked.
• Sprinkles are optional but add a colorful and festive touch perfect for Christmas.
• Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday dessert, chocolate chip bars, festive cookies, easy cookie bars, Christmas baking