Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! There’s just something magical about filling the house with the warm, buttery scent of fresh-baked cookies. These Christmas cookie bars are my go-to treat for festive gatherings – they’re easy to whip up, and everyone loves the combination of gooey chocolate and colorful sprinkles that scream “celebration.” I remember my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays, flour dust dancing in the air as we rolled out dough and decorated cookies. With this recipe, you’ll capture that same cozy spirit and create delicious memories with your loved ones. Trust me, once you try these cookie bars, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions too!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these scrumptious Christmas cookie bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet for that perfect balance!)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (the more colorful, the better!)
Make sure your butter is softened; it really helps create that lovely, creamy texture when you mix it with the sugars. And don’t skip the sprinkles—they elevate these bars from delicious to festive! Now, let’s get baking!
How to Prepare *Christmas Cookie Bars*
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—making those delicious Christmas cookie bars! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll be basking in the holiday spirit in no time. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it! While that’s heating up, grab a baking pan (I like using a 9×13 inch pan) and grease it with a little butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure your cookie bars come out easily and don’t stick. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for that extra safety net – it makes cutting the bars a breeze!
Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Next, add in those two large eggs and the vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well combined. It should look smooth and delicious! In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour—trust me, it makes a difference!
Combining Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookie bars to be soft and chewy. Once that’s done, fold in the chocolate chips and holiday sprinkles. Can you smell the magic already? It’s like a bowl of festive cheer!
Baking and Cooling
Spread that glorious mixture evenly in the greased baking pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ah, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly! Once they’re done, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t rush this part! Allowing them to cool properly ensures they hold their shape when you cut them into those perfect, festive squares. Enjoy the anticipation—I know I always do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Deliciously gooey texture with melty chocolate chips in every bite.
- The vibrant holiday sprinkles add a festive touch that makes these bars a showstopper.
- One-bowl preparation means less cleanup, so you can enjoy more time with family and friends.
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in—everyone will love them!
- Customizable—feel free to mix in nuts or swap out the chocolate for your favorite treats!
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored, making holiday planning a breeze.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cookie bars turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary quite a bit in temperature accuracy. If you’re unsure, use an oven thermometer to make sure it’s at 350°F (175°C) before baking. It’ll save you from underbaking or overbaking!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. You want them soft and chewy, right?
- Chill Your Dough: If you have time, chill the batter for about 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan. This helps the bars hold their shape better and enhances the flavors.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Try adding nuts for a delightful crunch or using white chocolate chips for a fun twist. Dried cranberries or toffee bits can also add a festive touch!
- Baking Time Adjustments: Keep an eye on your bars in the oven—every oven is a little different! Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. If they’re not quite set, give them a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overbake!
- Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This prevents them from falling apart and helps achieve those neat, beautiful squares.
- Store Properly: Make sure to store your cookie bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last up to a week, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long!
Following these tips will help you create the most delicious, festive cookie bars that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your scrumptious Christmas cookie bars, you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store any leftovers (if there are any, because they’re so good!) and how to reheat them if needed:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to separate the layers. This keeps them from sticking together and ensures they stay nice and soft. They can be stored at room temperature for up to one week, but I recommend keeping them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm—this helps them last a little longer!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a future treat, these cookie bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cookie bars warm (who wouldn’t?!), you can reheat them in the microwave. Just pop one in for about 10-15 seconds, keeping an eye on it to avoid overheating. You want it warm and gooey, not lava-hot! Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes—this helps maintain that delicious, fresh-baked texture.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your delightful cookie bars for days to come. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in these delightful Christmas cookie bars, it’s always nice to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 bar):
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, these cookie bars are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While I love semi-sweet chocolate chips for that classic flavor, you can definitely switch it up with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Get creative and use your favorites!
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 swap, and you should be good to go. It’s a great way to share the joy of these Christmas cookie bars with everyone!
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
You’ll want to look for golden brown edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to your Christmas cookie bars. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips and sprinkles for that extra texture!
How do I store these cookie bars for the best freshness?
Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them or freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Christmas Cookie Bars: 7 Reasons They’ll Wow You
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive Christmas cookie bars perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Spread the mixture in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Feel free to add nuts for extra crunch.
- These bars can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday desserts, festive baking
