Christmas Cookie Bars

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The festive season is the perfect time to whip up some delightful treats, and Christmas Cookie Bars are a holiday favorite that everyone will love. These bars bring together the classic flavors of cookies in a fun, easy-to-make dessert. With a chewy texture, rich chocolate chips, and vibrant holiday sprinkles, they not only taste amazing but also look beautiful. Make a batch to share with family and friends, and watch them disappear in no time!

Why Make This Christmas Cookie Bars

Christmas Cookie Bars are a must-try during the holiday season for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare and save you the hassle of rolling cookies and cutting them out. The simplicity of pouring the mixture into a pan makes these bars perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The warm, comforting scent that fills your kitchen while they bake is the icing on the cake. Plus, they are visually enticing, adding a splash of color to your holiday dessert table. These bars are not only delicious but also an excellent way to spread holiday cheer!

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars

Making Christmas Cookie Bars is straightforward and enjoyable. You’ll find the process quick, and the result is a tasty treat that’s perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or even enjoying during a cozy night in. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to a tray of yummily classic cookie bars in no time.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup holiday-themed sprinkles

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles, making sure to distribute them evenly.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Serve and enjoy with family and friends!

Nutritional Information

Each serving (1 bar, assuming 12 bars per batch) contains approximately:

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars

These Christmas Cookie Bars are highly versatile and can be served in various ways. They’re great on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. You can also plate them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant finish. They make lovely additions to holiday dessert trays, cookie exchanges, and festive gatherings.

How to Store Christmas Cookie Bars

To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will stay delicious for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, let the bars thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm back up!

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
Consider using a combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for more complex flavor.
If you want to add a festive twist, consider incorporating nuts or dried fruit along with the chocolate chips.
Don’t overbake! Keeping an eye on the baking time ensures you’ll achieve that chewy texture.
For uniform bars, use a ruler and a sharp knife to cut them evenly once cooled.

Delicious Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Cookie Bars! Here are a few tasty variations:

Add crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist.
Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Fold in butterscotch chips for a different kind of sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of chocolate chips? Yes! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips to suit your taste.
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring that it’s a 1:1 substitute.
How can I make the bars more festive? You can add festive mix-ins, such as chopped candied fruit, additional sprinkles, or even flavored extracts like almond or peppermint.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe? You can decrease the sugar by about 25% if you’d like a less sweet bar. However, be cautious as this may affect texture.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly? If your dough appears too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to achieve the right consistency.
How do I know when they are done baking? They are done when the edges look golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I double the recipe? Yes! If you want a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and adjust your baking pan size accordingly.
What’s the best way to cut them into bars? Using a sharp, non-serrated knife will help you get clean cuts. You can also spray the knife with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How do I know if my bars are still good to eat after a few days? Check for any off odors or abnormal texture. If they smell fresh and taste good, they’re probably still safe!
Can I decorate the bars with icing? Certainly! A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or a chocolate drizzle can add a lovely finishing touch.

Conclusion

Christmas Cookie Bars are the quintessential holiday treat, combining the joy of baking with the warmth of sharing with loved ones. These delicious bars are not just easy to make; they also fill your home with the irresistible aroma of sweet cookies. Try this recipe and watch as they become a new holiday tradition in your home. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday music, and enjoy making these delightful bars. Don’t forget to share your baking stories or even a picture of your finished bars — we’d love to hear from you!