Celebrate the holiday season with these Festive Christmas Cookie Bars—a perfect combination of chewy cookies and easy-to-cut bars. Bursting with chocolate chips, optional nuts, and festive sprinkles, these bars are ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights at home. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.
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2. Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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4. Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
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6. Add Mix-Ins
Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or other desired mix-ins evenly throughout the batter.
7. Spread Batter in Pan
Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.
8. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Slice
Cool bars in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift using parchment paper. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Pro Tips
- Even Baking: Rotate the pan halfway through for uniform baking.
- Chewy Bars: Don’t overmix the batter.
- Extra Festive: Add colored sprinkles or drizzle melted white chocolate on top.
Why This Recipe Works
- Combines the chewiness of cookies with the convenience of bars
- Easily customizable with mix-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips
- Quick prep and bake time make it ideal for last-minute holiday treats
Substitutions & Variations
- Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
- Sweeteners: Replace some sugar with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor.
- Mix-Ins: White chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, freshly-baked texture.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a festive breakfast or snack.
- Serve alongside ice cream for a holiday dessert platter.
- Gift in decorative tins or boxes for friends and family.
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Sugar: 20 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these bars vegan?
A: Yes, replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flax eggs.
Q: Can I use different chocolate types?
A: Absolutely! Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work beautifully.
Q: How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
A: Ensure the pan is properly lined and preheated oven is at the correct temperature.
These Christmas Cookie Bars are a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Chewy, chocolatey, and customizable, they make the perfect treat for gifting or enjoying at home. With endless variations and simple steps, they’re sure to become a holiday classic.
Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the OvenSet your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.
- Prepare the Baking PanLine a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Mix Dry IngredientsIn a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the Wet IngredientsIn a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry MixturesGradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Add Mix-InsStir in chocolate chips, nuts, or other desired mix-ins evenly throughout the batter.
- Spread Batter in PanEvenly spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.
- BakeBake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and SliceCool bars in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift using parchment paper. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Feel free to add extra toppings like crushed candy canes for a festive flair.
- Perfect for baking with kids or hosting cookie exchanges.
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