Oh, the joy of making Christmas cookie bars! There’s just something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet aroma of butter and sugar during the holiday season. These bars are a delightful blend of soft, chewy goodness with chocolate chips and a hint of nutty flavor that makes each bite a little piece of heaven. I remember every year, my family and I would gather around the kitchen table, rolling up our sleeves and creating these festive treats together. It’s a tradition that brings us together, and trust me, there’s nothing better than sharing these scrumptious bars with loved ones during the holidays!

Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup brown sugar, packed for extra moisture
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that warm flavor
1 teaspoon baking soda to help them rise
1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or your favorite type
1/2 cup chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture

How to Prepare Christmas Cookie Bars

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your cookie bars bake evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually let it mix for about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add in the two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid flour clouds in the kitchen! Just mix until you can’t see any dry flour.
Now, stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts until they’re evenly distributed. The dough will be thick and oh-so-delicious!
Spread the batter evenly into a greased baking pan. I usually use a 9×13 inch pan for these bars.
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them set up perfectly for cutting.
After they’re cool, slice them into bars and get ready for the best holiday treat ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make, perfect for holiday baking!
Soft, chewy texture with the perfect balance of flavors.
Festive and colorful—add sprinkles for extra cheer!
Great for sharing at parties or cozy family gatherings.
Deliciously versatile; swap in your favorite mix-ins!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Christmas cookie bars turn out perfectly, here are a few tips! First, ensure your butter is at room temperature; this helps it cream well with the sugars for that fluffy texture. Don’t skip the cooling time—letting them cool in the pan helps them set up nicely, making cutting easier. And always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

These delightful Christmas cookie bars are not only tasty but also come with some nutritional info to keep in mind. Each bar has approximately 200 calories, 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy responsibly!

FAQ About Christmas Cookie Bars

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars keep well in an airtight container for several days, making them perfect for holiday prep. Just bake, cool, and store!

What can I substitute for the nuts? If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, feel free to skip them! You can replace them with extra chocolate chips or even dried fruit for added texture.

How do I know when they’re done baking? They’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I freeze these cookie bars? Yes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Christmas cookie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—these bars are delightful straight from the fridge!

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas cookie bars are delightful on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Pair them with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a creamy eggnog for that festive touch. You could also serve them alongside a platter of seasonal fruit or other holiday cookies for a sweet spread that everyone will love!