The scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, luring you into the kitchen with promises of sweet indulgence. Imagine a warm, gooey Christmas cookie bar melting in your mouth, its candy cane bits crunching delightfully against the smooth chocolate. pistachio cream chocolate chip cookies chocolate lava brownie cookies This Christmas cookie bars recipe will transform your holiday celebrations into a deliciously memorable experience. sweet holiday hand pies.
As you gather around with family and friends, these cookie bars become more than just a treat; they’re the sweet glue that binds joyful memories together. Picture laughter echoing while everyone reaches for just one more piece, savoring each bite that bursts with festive flavors.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Christmas cookie bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy schedules. The rich flavor profile combines chocolate and peppermint for a festive explosion in every bite. Their beautiful presentation makes them an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table. Versatile enough to be enjoyed at holiday parties or cozy family nights, everyone will love them! [/info_box]
Every time I bake these Christmas cookie bars, my friends rave about them. One year, they almost disappeared before I could take a picture!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and the best texture in your cookie bars.
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Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that perfect chewy texture we all love.
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Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar introduces a deep caramel flavor that elevates these bars to another level.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the bars their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; it creates the backbone of your cookie bars.
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Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures your bars rise beautifully without becoming cake-like.
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Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich burst of flavor in every bite.
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Candy Canes: Crush them up to sprinkle on top; they add a delightful crunch and festive flair!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite baking dish and grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
Cream Together Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy; this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Crack in two eggs and pour in vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined; this magical combination adds richness to your cookie bars.
Sift Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add this mix to your wet ingredients while stirring gently until fully incorporated.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes: Gently fold in those luscious chocolate chips along with crushed candy canes. Be careful not to overmix; we want those chunks intact!
Spread Mixture into Baking Dish: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly using a spatula. Ensure it’s nice and smooth before popping it into the oven.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when you smell that irresistible aroma wafting throughout your home!
Let these beautiful cookie bars cool slightly before cutting them into squares. You can enjoy them warm or let them chill completely—if you can resist!
Enjoy making these delightful Christmas cookie bars with loved ones this holiday season! They’re bound to bring joy (and perhaps some friendly fights over who gets the last piece).
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Christmas cookie bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, blending flavors and textures into one festive treat. With just the right amount of sweetness and chewiness, these bars are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect Christmas cookie bars, mix your dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar before adding eggs. snickerdoodle apple butter cookies This order enhances texture and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your bars by adding nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips. Each addition adds unique flavors that make your cookie bars even more festive.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a warm treat, microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture. Don’t overmix the dough; it can lead to tough bars. Let them cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. [/info_box]
Sharing my first batch of Christmas cookie bars was nerve-wracking; however, everyone raved about them, making me feel like a baking superstar!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free flour in this Christmas cookie bars recipe?
For more inspiration, check out this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole recipe.
Yes, substituting gluten-free flour works well without compromising taste or texture.
How long do these cookie bars stay fresh?
They remain fresh in an airtight container for up to one week.
What toppings can I add to enhance flavor?
Consider drizzling melted chocolate or adding sprinkles for extra holiday cheer.
Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
These Christmas cookie bars are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, making them an irresistible treat for your holiday gatherings. With their chewy texture and delightful crunch from crushed candy canes, these bars are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Easy to make and beautifully presented, they’ll be the star of any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes gently.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Cool slightly before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
