Christmas Bars

Why Make This Christmas Bars

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delightful treats! Christmas Bars perfectly capture the spirit of the season with their festive colors and sweet, buttery flavor. These bars are not only a holiday favorite but also incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, holiday party, or simply want to enjoy a festive snack at home, these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

How to Make Christmas Bars

Creating these delightful Christmas Bars is a simple and enjoyable process. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a tray full of deliciousness in no time. Enjoy the aroma of buttery goodness wafting through your kitchen as they bake and revel in the sight of your colorful treats as they come out of the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup festive sprinkles or chocolate chips
• 1 cup nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
4. Fold in your choice of festive sprinkles or chocolate chips, and if you’re using them, the nuts as well.
5. Spread the batter evenly into the greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Christmas Bars (assuming 24 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 3g

How to Serve Christmas Bars

These Christmas Bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a sweet treat during holiday parties, package them as gifts for neighbors, or enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa on chilly winter evenings. They also make a fun addition to dessert tables and can be enjoyed at breakfast as a special holiday treat!

How to Store Christmas Bars

To keep your Christmas Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. If freezing, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Bars

• Make sure your butter is truly softened for easier mixing. Left it out at room temperature for about an hour before starting your recipe.
• For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
• If you want to experiment, try swapping out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition.
• Don’t skip the cooling step before cutting; this makes for cleaner squares!

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint: Use chocolate chips instead of sprinkles and add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a minty twist!
• Nutty Cranberry: Fold in dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for a chewy texture and tartness.
• Spiced Pumpkin: Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I substitute the butter?
  Yes, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

• What can I use instead of eggs?
  You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) as a vegan substitute.

• Can I double the recipe?
  Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

These Christmas Bars are truly the perfect holiday treat—simple to prepare, delightful to enjoy, and adaptable to various tastes! They fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and bring joy to your festive gatherings. So why not give this recipe a try? You might just find a new holiday tradition to cherish. Share your bar-making experience with family and friends; they’ll be thrilled to join in on the fun!