The aroma of freshly baked cookie bars wafts through the air, bringing memories of cozy family gatherings and laughter. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy Christmas cookie bar packed with chocolate chips, nuts, and just a hint of cinnamon—it’s like a hug from your grandma on a chilly winter day. pistachio chocolate chip cookies.
During the holiday season, these Christmas cookie bars become the stars of the dessert table, eagerly awaited by family and friends alike. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful blend of flavors that make every moment feel like a celebration. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Christmas cookie bars are incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour. The flavor profile is rich and festive, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Their golden-brown appearance is visually appealing, making them an instant attraction on any dessert table. Versatile enough to add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits or candies. [/info_box]
I once made these cookie bars for a holiday party, and my friends practically fought over the last piece. It was such a hit that I had to promise to bring them every year!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives the bars that classic sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
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Brown Sugar: Opt for dark brown sugar for extra richness and a hint of molasses flavor.
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Large Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for binding everything together; sift it for lighter bars.
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Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
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Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness; don’t skip this crucial component!
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Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet works best, but dark chocolate lovers can opt for bittersweet instead.
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Nuts (Optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch; tailor this to your preferences.
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Cinnamon (Optional): A sprinkle adds warmth and holiday spirit—perfectly festive!
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). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it—this ensures easy removal later.
Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. You want it to be light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Mix in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract next; this will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Combine Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This step prevents clumps from forming—nobody likes chewy lumps in their cookie bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want those cookie bars tender!
Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts (if using): Stir in chocolate chips and nuts gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Your mouth will water just looking at this mix!
Pour Into Baking Pan and Bake : Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. The center should look set but still soft.
Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Trust me; they’ll disappear faster than you can say “Christmas cookie bars recipe”! Enjoy with family or hoard them all for yourself—you deserve it! more Christmas cookie bars.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful Christmas cookie bars recipe combines the festive spirit with a burst of flavor. The sweet aroma wafts through your home, inviting everyone to indulge in a treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. These bars are chewy, packed with goodies, and easy to share! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. While it warms up, mix your dry ingredients first. This ensures even distribution and helps avoid clumps later.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a warm treat, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Remember to let the cookie bars cool completely before cutting them into squares; this prevents them from falling apart. Use parchment paper in your baking pan for easy removal and cleanup. Experiment with flavor extracts like almond or peppermint for unique twists! [/info_box]
The first time I made these Christmas cookie bars was during a snowstorm, with my kids eagerly waiting by the oven. Their smiles made the effort all worth it!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Christmas cookie bars recipe?
browned butter cookies. snickerdoodle apple butter cookies.
Yes, gluten-free flour works well; just ensure you follow the correct ratios.
How can I make these cookie bars more festive?
Add colorful sprinkles or red and green chocolate chips for a holiday touch.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! They freeze well; just wrap them tightly before storing in the freezer.
Delicious Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of the holiday season with these soft and chewy Christmas cookie bars. Packed with rich chocolate chips, crunchy nuts, and a hint of cinnamon, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. In under an hour, you can create this delightful treat that will fill your home with festive aromas and smiles from family and friends. Ideal for any holiday gathering, these cookie bars promise to be the showstopper on your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
