Introduction
These Christmas Cookie Bars are one of the easiest yet most festive desserts you can make during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, preparing a sweet treat for your family, or simply want to add some cheer to your baking repertoire, these cookie bars will not disappoint. Every bite is filled with a mix of crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty goodness that will surely bring a smile to anyone who tries them. I made these bars for a family gathering last year, and they were an instant hit. The colorful red and green chocolate candies make them especially appealing for the holidays, while the white chocolate chips add a creamy contrast. My family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious and easy they were to make, and I’m sure your loved ones will feel the same way!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (180g) red and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
- ½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (40g) holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars after baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in candies and chocolate chips: Stir in the red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles. Gently fold them in to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Press into the pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, pressing it down gently to form an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles on top for extra festive flair.
- Bake: Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. To test, you can insert a toothpick into the center of the bars—if it comes out clean, they are ready.
- Cool and cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Once cooled, cut into 24 even pieces and serve!
Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bar
- Calories per Serving: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve
- These Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for any holiday occasion. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:
- Serve as part of a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats.
- Wrap them up in cute gift boxes for a homemade gift.
- Pair them with a hot beverage like hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy holiday treat.
- Serve at holiday parties—these cookie bars will be the talk of the party!
- Store in a decorative tin for easy access during the busy holiday season.
Additional Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to ensure smooth creaming with the sugars.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix only until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookie bars.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate candies and white chocolate chips.
- Customize the Sprinkles: Use different colored sprinkles based on your holiday theme or favorite colors.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. If the edges are golden brown and the center is set, they are done!
Recipe Variations
- Use different mix-ins: Feel free to switch up the red and green chocolate candies with other holiday-themed candies like peppermint bark bits or chocolate-covered almonds.
- Add nuts: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, add ½ cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- Change the chocolate chips: Swap the white chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookie bars gluten-free.
- Add a dash of spice: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warm and spicy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookie bars with a glass of milk for a classic pairing.
- Pair them with a holiday coffee drink like peppermint mocha or gingerbread lattes.
- Present them in festive holiday packaging to give as a gift during the holiday season.
- Serve alongside other baked goods like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and a slice of eggnog bread for a delightful dessert spread.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well! Once they’ve completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
- Storage: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious throughout the holiday season.
FAQ Section
- Can I use salted butter for this recipe? Yes, you can, but it may alter the taste slightly. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
- Can I use other types of chocolate candies? Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of colorful chocolate candy, such as M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or even crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
- How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking? The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If there’s any batter sticking to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes.
- Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time? Yes, these cookie bars are great for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for several days.
- Can I add other decorations? Of course! You can use any festive decorations like edible glitter, mini marshmallows, or colored sugars to make these cookie bars even more festive.
- What’s the best way to cut these cookie bars? Once the bars have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between each cut.
- Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe? If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or an egg replacer.
- Do I need to use parchment paper? While it’s not strictly necessary, parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the cookie bars from the pan without them sticking.
- Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar, but it will give the bars a slightly richer flavor and darker color.
- What other flavors can I add to these bars? You can add a variety of flavors such as vanilla bean paste, almond extract, or even a touch of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Conclusion
Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive, easy-to-make dessert that will undoubtedly brighten your holiday celebrations. With their colorful candies, creamy white chocolate chips, and fun holiday sprinkles, they are the perfect way to add some sweetness and color to your holiday table. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting them to friends, or making them for a holiday gathering, these cookie bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process, and share the joy of this delightful holiday treat!