Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful and festive treat to brighten up your holiday season, this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars combine the chewy comfort of classic cookies with a burst of holiday colors and flavors, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Chewy, colorful, and packed with chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, these bars celebrate everything warm and joyful about the holidays in every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first step toward creating these enchanting Christmas cookie bars. Each one plays a crucial role in building that perfect soft texture, sweetness, and festive appearance that make this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe so special.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and buttery tenderness in each bite.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel note and moisture to the dough.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie bars’ chewy texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely warm aroma and enhances all flavors.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, giving it structure and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookie bars rise just enough for softness without puffing too much.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lightness and aids in chewy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• 1 cup red and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms): Bring pops of color and festive crunch to every bite.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Provide creamy sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness.
• 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles: Add that cheerful sparkle and visual holiday magic.

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your cookie bars come out perfectly without sticking, ready for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This crucial step incorporates air that helps create a tender texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract—this adds that unmistakable warm, sweet aroma Christmas cookie bars are known for.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients ensure your bars have the perfect balance of fluff and chewiness. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is fully combined but not overmixed, preserving that ideal texture.

Step 4: Add Holiday Mix-ins

Gently fold in your red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles. These colorful mix-ins are what truly make this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe shine with festive flair and delicious bursts of creamy, chocolate goodness.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out into a consistent layer. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles over the top for an extra dash of holiday cheer. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still soft.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan. This cooling time allows the bars to firm up perfectly for clean cutting without crumbling. Once cooled, slice into 24 festive squares, and get ready to delight your family and friends!

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a little garnish can take your Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe from delightful to spectacular. Consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or drizzling melted white chocolate over the top for an elegant, sweet finish. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies also add a refreshing holiday touch that tastes as good as it looks.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced hot chocolate, rich coffee, or a creamy eggnog to enhance the holiday spirit. Serving alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or simple whipped cream can also create a balanced contrast to the richness of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or party sharing, wrap individual bars in festive cellophane bags tied with bright ribbons or arrange them beautifully on a holiday-themed platter. You can even layer them with contrasting cookies in a decorative tin for a truly charming seasonal gift everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Christmas Cookie Bars stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes them perfect for preparing ahead of time or enjoying throughout the holiday season without losing any of their wonderful texture or flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep a batch longer, these cookie bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy festive treats any time you crave that holiday mood.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookie bars warm and gooey, simply microwave individual squares for about 15 seconds or reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle warming revives their softness and melts the chocolate chips to perfection.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate candy instead of red and green ones?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite chocolate candies or even chocolate chunks. Just keep in mind that the red and green candies add to the festive look, so choose colors wisely if you want to maintain the holiday vibe.

Are these cookie bars gluten-free?

This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a gluten-free version, but texture might vary slightly.

Can I make these cookie bars vegan?

While this recipe calls for butter and eggs, vegan alternatives like plant-based butter and egg substitutes can work. Just be prepared for a slightly different flavor and texture, which can still be very tasty.

How long do these bars stay fresh when refrigerated?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cookie bars remain fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks. Refrigeration can help extend their life if you want to keep them longer than a week at room temperature.

Can I add nuts to the Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?

Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a delightful crunch and complement the sweetness. Just fold them in with the other mix-ins before baking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the warm flavors and bright colors of this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe that makes it a new holiday favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party, giving gifts, or indulging yourself, these bars are guaranteed to spread joy with every bite. So grab your ingredients, get into the holiday spirit, and whip up a batch—your festive celebration deserves a sweet treat this special!

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

These festive Christmas Cookie Bars are loaded with holiday cheer, featuring red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles. Soft, chewy, and irresistibly sweet, they make the perfect treat to share during the holiday season. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, these bars capture all the classic flavors of a Christmas cookie in a convenient and delicious bar form.

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Ingredients

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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

Mix-ins and Toppings

• 1 cup (180g) red and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
• 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (40g) holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the cookie bars.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cookie bars. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to add warmth and enhance flavor.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet ingredients bowl, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tougher bars.
4. Add Holiday Mix-ins: Gently fold in the red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles. Folding carefully ensures even distribution without melting the candies or chips.
5. Spread and Bake: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and press it evenly into a smooth layer. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles generously on top to add colorful decoration and texture. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
6. Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is essential as it helps the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut. Once cooled, cut into 24 square bars and serve or store as desired.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
• You can substitute the red and green candies with any festive colored candies if preferred.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American