Celebrate the season with these Christmas Cookie Bars, a festive and chewy dessert packed with colorful red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a sweet treat to share with loved ones, these cookie bars are a simple yet delicious way to bring joy to your Christmas celebrations.
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
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (180g) red and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips
1/4 cup (40g) holiday sprinkles
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
Add Holiday Goodies: Gently fold in the red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles to bring in the festive colors and flavors.
Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it into a smooth layer. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles over the top for an extra touch of festive cheer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps the bars firm up, making them easy to slice.
Serving Tips:
Perfect for Parties: These Christmas Cookie Bars are ideal for holiday parties and gatherings. They can be cut into squares and served on a platter for easy sharing.
Pair with Hot Beverages: These festive cookie bars are delicious when served with a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. For an extra treat, top your beverage with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The warm, chewy bars with the cold ice cream make a delightful combination.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–7 days. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Refrigeration: If you prefer to extend the shelf life, you can store the cookie bars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: These cookie bars freeze well for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
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FAQs:
Can I make these Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these cookie bars ahead of time! They can be baked and stored at room temperature for up to 5–7 days. If you want to make them even earlier, freeze them for up to 3 months, and then thaw before serving. This makes them a great make-ahead treat for busy holiday seasons.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! You can customize this recipe to your liking. For instance, if you don’t have red and green chocolate candies, you can use regular M&Ms, chocolate chips, or any festive candy you prefer. You can also swap the white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips if desired. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, try using a dairy-free butter alternative and chocolate chips.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cookie bars. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set but slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars chewy.
Can I add more mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can add chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a swirl of caramel for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure not to add too much extra as it may affect the consistency of the dough.
Conclusion:
Bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen with these Christmas Cookie Bars—a colorful, chewy treat that’s perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or just a sweet indulgence during the holiday season. With a soft texture, festive sprinkles, and a delightful combination of chocolate, these cookie bars are a must-have on your holiday dessert table.
Happy baking and enjoy the festivities!
📖 Recipe:
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Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Packed with colorful red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles, they offer a chewy, sweet indulgence that’s sure to please a crowd. These easy-to-make cookie bars are ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and gift-giving. With a soft texture and vibrant colors, they make the perfect addition to any Christmas celebration.
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
2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (180g) red and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips
1/4 cup (40g) holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Add Holiday Mix-ins: Gently fold in the red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it into a smooth layer. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown on the edges.
- Cool and Cut: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Customization: You can substitute the red and green chocolate candies with other seasonal treats like peppermint candies or mini candy canes for a different flavor.
Storage: Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Doneness: For perfect texture, be sure to not overbake the bars. The center should still be slightly soft when removed from the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking, Christmas Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: ~220 kcal per bar
