Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Christmas cookie bars are a festive treat that brings the spirit of the holidays into your kitchen. These bars combine the beloved flavors of classic Christmas cookies into a convenient, easy-to-serve dessert. With layers of rich cookie dough and festive toppings, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home with family.
What makes these cookie bars truly special is their versatility. You can customize the flavors and toppings to suit your preferences, making them a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread. The combination of buttery dough, sweet chocolate chips, and vibrant sprinkles creates a beautiful and delicious treat that captures the joy of the season. Plus, they’re easy to cut into squares, making them ideal for sharing or serving at parties.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
– Total Time: 40-45 minutes
– Servings: 12-16 bars
Why You Will Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and baking time, these bars are simple to make, even for beginner bakers.
2. Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients and toppings to create your own unique version.
3. Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving at parties or to package as gifts.
4. Festive Presentation: The colorful sprinkles and toppings make these bars visually appealing and perfect for the holidays.
5. Deliciously Indulgent: With a rich, buttery base and sweet toppings, these cookie bars satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients Notes
– Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the bars.
– Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the bars.
– Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, and feel free to mix in white chocolate or even peppermint chips for a festive twist.
– Sprinkles: Holiday-themed sprinkles add a festive touch, but any sprinkles can be used.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and ½ cup of sprinkles.
5. Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Storage Options
– Refrigerator: Store cookie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
– Freezer: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually or in groups and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Variations and Substitutions
– Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
– Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a festive fruit flavor.
– Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Conclusion
Christmas cookie bars are a delightful and festive treat that can brighten up any holiday celebration. With their easy preparation and customizable nature, they’re perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with family, these cookie bars are sure to spread joy and sweetness this season. Enjoy every delicious bite!