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Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Chewy, Chocolatey, Easy Holiday Dessert Bars Perfect for Parties and Gift-Giving
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bars
Calories 250 kcal

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 Oven
    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.
  • Prepare the Baking Pan
    Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • 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.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
    Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
  • Add Mix-Ins
    Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or other desired mix-ins evenly throughout the batter.
  • Spread Batter in Pan
    Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles for a holiday touch.
  • Bake
    Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • 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.

Notes

  • Feel free to add extra toppings like crushed candy canes for a festive flair.
  • Perfect for baking with kids or hosting cookie exchanges.