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This hearty Christmas cookie bars recipe has become my family's seasonal staple. The perfect balance of chewy and sweet, these festive treats combine the convenience of bars with the beloved flavor of holiday cookies, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or packaging as heartfelt homemade gifts.
I first made these cookie bars during a particularly busy holiday season when I needed something festive but didn't have time for individual cookies. My children were so enchanted by the colorful sprinkles and rich flavor that they've become our signature Christmas treat, requested year after year.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter softened to room temperature for proper creaming with sugar
- Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie texture
- Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel undertone that makes these bars irresistible
- Large eggs for binding all ingredients together
- Vanilla extract use pure extract for the best flavor profile
- All purpose flour forms the foundation of these bars
- Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the perfect rise
- Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
- Chocolate chips I recommend using a mix of semi sweet and milk chocolate
- Chopped nuts optional but walnuts or pecans add wonderful texture
- Festive sprinkles choose holiday colors for that Christmas appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
- Turn your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully heat while you work. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This step is crucial for clean removal and perfect squares.
- Create the Foundation
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should noticeably change color to a lighter shade. This step incorporates air into the batter for the perfect texture.
- Add Moisture Elements
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. The batter should look smooth and glossy at this point. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten and make your bars tough rather than tender. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks remain.
- Add Festive Elements
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, optional nuts, and half of your sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Reserve some sprinkles for topping. This folding technique preserves the air you incorporated earlier.
- Bake to Perfection
- Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, pressing it into the corners and smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining festive sprinkles over the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Cut
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
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The sprinkles are my favorite element of these bars. My grandmother always said Christmas treats should look as festive as they taste, and these colorful additions bring instant holiday cheer. One year, my daughter and I made these with red and green M&Ms instead of chocolate chips, creating a beautiful stained glass effect that became a new tradition.
Storage Tips
These Christmas cookie bars maintain their freshness remarkably well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay soft and delicious for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
Make Ahead Options
The beauty of these cookie bars is their convenience for busy holiday schedules. You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just allow the chilled dough to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before pressing into the pan. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months. Alternatively, bake and freeze the finished bars, then thaw as needed for unexpected guests or last minute gifts.
Festive Variations
Transform these cookie bars to suit your holiday preferences. White chocolate and cranberries create a beautiful red and white color scheme. Mint chocolate chips with a drop of peppermint extract offer a refreshing twist on the traditional recipe. For a more sophisticated flavor profile, try adding orange zest and dark chocolate with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. My family loves creating a different variation each December weekend leading up to Christmas.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate these bars by serving them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They pair beautifully with hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk. For holiday gatherings, arrange them on a tiered serving plate interspersed with other Christmas cookies for an impressive display. These bars also make a wonderful addition to cookie exchange parties, as their shape makes them stand out among traditional round cookies.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long do these cookie bars stay fresh?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
- → Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they'll still be delicious.
- → What mix-ins work best with these cookie bars?
Classic options include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and festive sprinkles. You can also try white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or crushed candy canes for holiday flair.
- → 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 or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture.
- → Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before spreading in the pan and baking.
- → What's the best way to freeze these cookie bars?
Cut the cooled bars into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.