The aroma of freshly baked Christmas Cookie Bars wafts through the house, inviting everyone to gather around the kitchen. With layers of sweet, buttery goodness and a delightful crunch on top, these bars are not just a treat; they’re a festive hug for your taste buds.
As you slice into these decadent squares, memories of holiday gatherings come rushing back. Picture kids sneaking bites while grandma tries to keep them from spoiling dinner. These Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family get-together or an exuberant office party. The anticipation builds as you await that first bite, promising pure bliss with every chew.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Cookie Bars are ridiculously easy to make, even for kitchen novices.
- The combination of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).
- They look stunning on any dessert table, making them the star of your holiday spread.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, not just at Christmas!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for that rich flavor and creamy texture when mixing.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for creating that perfectly chewy bar.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that makes these bars irresistible.
Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together while adding richness and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our bars, giving them structure and chewiness.
Baking Powder: Just a pinch helps these bars rise slightly for that perfect texture.
Salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors in this sweet treat without being overpowering.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite baking dish (9×13 inches works best) and grease it with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butters
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Think cloud-like softness—this is where magic begins!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack those two eggs into the buttery mixture along with the vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks so smooth that you could almost dive into it.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients. Stir with love until just combined—no one likes tough cookie bars.
Step 5: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly like you’re frosting a cake (but without the extra calories—shh!).
Step 6: Bake
Pop those beauties in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs).
Transfer to plates and cut into squares once cooled down just enough so you don’t burn your tongue but still warm enough that chocolate chips melt when you take a bite.
There you have it—deliciously festive Christmas Cookie Bars that will bring joy to any gathering! Enjoy them with family or keep them all to yourself (we won’t tell). Happy baking!
You Must Know
- These delightful Christmas cookie bars are not just a treat; they bring the holiday spirit right into your kitchen.
- With layers of flavors and textures, they make festive gatherings a breeze and can be customized to your heart’s content for a truly personal touch.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the baking pan. Mix your ingredients in the order specified, ensuring each layer is evenly spread. Bake until golden brown, then let cool before cutting into bars for perfect serving sizes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for that sweet-salty combo. You can even jazz it up with holiday sprinkles for an extra festive flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store these Christmas cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them wrapped tightly. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their soft, chewy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly chewy cookie bars, don’t overmix your batter; keep it light and airy.
- Using room-temperature ingredients helps them blend more smoothly and bake evenly.
- Always check for doneness a few minutes before the time is up to avoid dryness.
It was during a bustling holiday party when I first made these Christmas cookie bars. My friends couldn’t stop raving about them, leading me to wonder if I had accidentally stumbled upon some secret family recipe!
FAQs :
What are Christmas Cookie Bars?
Christmas cookie bars are festive, easy-to-make treats that combine the flavors of traditional holiday cookies in a convenient bar form. They typically feature ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, and festive add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. The simplicity of these bars makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, allowing you to enjoy all the delicious flavors of Christmas cookies without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough.
How do I store Christmas Cookie Bars?
To keep your Christmas cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat them briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
Can I customize my Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Christmas cookie bars is their versatility. You can easily customize your recipe by adding different mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or festive sprinkles. Additionally, you can swap out traditional chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a unique flavor twist. Get creative and make them your own while celebrating the joy of the holiday season.
Are Christmas Cookie Bars suitable for gift-giving?
Yes, Christmas cookie bars make excellent gifts! Their simple presentation and delightful taste make them perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays. You can package them in decorative tins or boxes tied with a festive ribbon. Including a handwritten note with your recipe adds a personal touch that will surely be appreciated by your loved ones.
Conclusion for Christmas Cookie Bars :
In summary, Christmas cookie bars are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy holiday flavors with minimal effort. Their customizable nature allows you to put your personal twist on traditional recipes while ensuring they remain festive and delicious. By storing these treats properly, you can share them throughout the season or gift them to loved ones as a sweet surprise. Embrace the joy of baking this holiday season with these easy-to-make cookie bars that everyone will love!
Christmas Cookie Bars
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these irresistible Christmas Cookie Bars! With their buttery layers and delightful crunch, each bite brings warmth and joy reminiscent of cherished family gatherings. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family get-togethers to lively office parties. Enjoy them warm from the oven or as a delightful treat at your next celebration!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (43g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Customize by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added flavor. For extra flair, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking or use festive sprinkles.
