Ah, the magic of holiday baking! There’s something so special about filling the house with the warm, sweet scent of freshly baked goodies, and my go-to this season is definitely these Christmas cookie bars. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; they disappeared faster than I could cut them! Everyone loved how soft and chewy they were, and those colorful sprinkles added just the right festive touch. Trust me, these Christmas cookie bars are not only easy to whip up, but they also bring so much joy to your holiday celebrations. You’re going to want to make these!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather our ingredients for these delightful Christmas cookie bars! You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This will form the base of our bars, giving them that perfect chewy texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft—this helps create that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds a lovely depth of sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: We need some sweetness to balance the flavors!
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For that warm, inviting aroma that screams “holidays!”
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This will help our bars rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Because who doesn’t love a little chocolate goodness?
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles: These make everything feel festive and fun!
How to Prepare Christmas Cookie Bars
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly preheated oven ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and turn out perfectly gooey!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy texture that feels airy—this is where the magic begins!
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in those two large eggs and add the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want a smooth batter here, so don’t rush—just keep stirring until it’s all beautifully blended!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agent and ensuring your bars rise just right!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix! It’s okay if there are a few lumps; this will keep your cookie bars soft and chewy.
Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and those festive holiday sprinkles. This is where you’ll want to be careful to evenly distribute them throughout the batter without overworking it. You want that beautiful sprinkle surprise in every bite!
Baking Process
Spread the batter evenly into a greased baking dish, making sure to get into all the corners. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool for a bit before cutting into bars; patience is key for that perfect slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Festively decorated with colorful sprinkles for a cheerful touch.
- Great for sharing at gatherings, everyone loves them!
- Versatile—feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas cookie bars turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way! First, always measure your ingredients accurately—too much flour can lead to dry bars. Also, remember to let your butter soften at room temperature; this helps create that dreamy texture we all love. Don’t skip the cooling time before cutting; it helps the bars set up nicely and makes slicing much easier. And if you want an extra festive touch, sprinkle some more holiday sprinkles on top right before serving. Trust me, it’s the little things that make a big difference!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your delicious Christmas cookie bars are cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—these bars are just as delightful served chilled or at room temperature!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The typical nutritional values for one of these Christmas cookie bars are approximately 200 calories, 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Always check your ingredients for the most accurate information!
FAQ Section
Can I use gluten-free flour for these Christmas cookie bars?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best results.
What can I add to the batter?
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even swap in different types of chocolate chips for a personal touch.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter!
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Definitely! These Christmas cookie bars store well, so feel free to bake them a few days in advance and keep them airtight until you’re ready to serve.
Christmas Cookie Bars: 5 Reasons They Bring Joy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas cookie bars are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 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 extract, 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 batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas cookie bars, holiday treats, dessert bars