Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for that perfect festive treat to brighten up your holiday gatherings, look no further than my favorite Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe! These bars pack all the joy of a classic holiday cookie into a thick, chewy, and colorful bar that’s easy to slice, share, and savor. Bursting with red and green chocolate candies, creamy white chocolate chips, and topped with cheerful holiday sprinkles, this recipe brings together vibrant colors and a festive flavor combo that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making them for a family party or as a fun gift, these Christmas cookie bars deliver warmth, sweetness, and a whole lot of holiday spirit in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze with this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe, where each element plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture and irresistibly festive flavor. From the creamy butter that gives richness to the flour and leaveners that ensure a tender crumb, let’s dive into what you’ll need to create cookie magic.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/226g): It provides a smooth, rich base essential for that soft, chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup/200g): Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup/100g): Brings moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for extra depth.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups/310g): Forms the sturdy base of the bars, giving them shape and density.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise slightly without making them cakey.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Balances acidity for perfect browning and tenderness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates all the sweet flavors and balances richness.
- Red and green chocolate candies (1 cup/180g): Not only add festive color but also a delightful crunch and chocolate burst.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup/90g): Blend in creamy, sweet pockets that melt slightly while baking.
- Holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup/40g): Provide that cheerful finishing touch to brighten every bite and make the bars look irresistible.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by setting your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This steady temperature is perfect for giving your cookie bars that golden edge and soft center we all crave. While it heats up, grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. This step might seem small, but trust me, it sets you up for cookie success and no sticky surprises.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large bowl and beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is luxuriously light and fluffy. This creaming process is where the magic begins, introducing air that will make the bars tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Don’t rush it—this is where texture starts to form its perfect foundation.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each so everything blends smoothly. Then stir in that wonderful vanilla extract—it’s like a secret handshake that ties all flavors together in one warm, inviting hug. This combination keeps your Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe tasting comforting and classic.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients need a good mix so your cookie bars rise evenly and get that delightful crumb we all adore. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined—over-mixing is the enemy of tender bars!
Step 5: Fold in the Festive Mix-ins
Now for the fun part: gently fold in your red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles. The candy pieces add bursts of sweetness and a pop of Christmas color, while the sprinkles bring that little extra holiday cheer right into the dough. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like pure joy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, pressing it down to create a smooth, flat surface that’s just begging to be devoured. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles on top for a festive crown. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set but still soft. Your house will fill with the most inviting aroma imaginable.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
This step is crucial! Let your Christmas Cookie Bars cool fully in the pan so they can firm up, making them much easier to cut into those perfect squares everyone will love. Trust me, a little patience here means bars that hold together beautifully when grabbed from the plate.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the festive spirit by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar dusted lightly over the bars or a drizzle of melted white chocolate across the top. These small touches add visual appeal and an extra hint of sweetness that will make your Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe all the more special for guests.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookie bars alongside a warm mug of spiced hot cocoa or classic eggnog to really capture that cozy holiday vibe. Pairing these bars with a hot drink adds a lovely contrast of temperatures and textures, making every bite feel like a warm holiday hug.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your cookie bars in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for delightful homemade gifts. Or arrange them on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by pine sprigs and tiny ornaments to create an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Presentation can turn your Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe into a memorable experience before the first bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container to preserve their moist, chewy texture for up to 4 days at room temperature. These bars hold their festive flavor beautifully, making them perfect for snacking days after baking.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these festive treats well in advance, you can freeze the bars either whole (wrapped securely) or sliced between layers of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to 3 months, ready to thaw slowly at room temperature when the holiday craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your Christmas Cookie Bars with that just-baked warmth, simply microwave individual squares for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for 5 minutes. This quick warm-up revives the gooey chocolate and soft texture, making each bite as delightful as the day they were baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the red and green chocolate candies with other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite festive candies like peppermint chips, crushed candy canes, or even chopped nuts to customize the bars to your liking. Just keep the total volume about the same to maintain texture balance.
What pan size should I use for this recipe?
A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal as it ensures the bars bake evenly and have that perfect thickness. Using a smaller pan will make them thicker and may require longer baking, while a larger pan could cause them to become too thin.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even intensify the flavors. Let the dough come to room temperature briefly before spreading it in the pan and baking as directed.
Are these cookie bars gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How can I make the bars more festive for kids?
Add colorful sprinkles, use fun-shaped holiday candies, or drizzle melted colored white chocolate on top to make these bars even more exciting and appealing to little ones at your holiday parties.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing something homemade during the holidays, and this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is just the ticket for spreading cheer and sweetness. With its perfect balance of chewy texture, festive colors, and rich flavors, these bars will quickly become a treasured holiday tradition in your home. So go ahead, bake a batch, slice them up, and watch as everyone’s faces light up with delight. I promise these bars will make your holiday celebrations a little brighter and a whole lot tastier!
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These festive Christmas Cookie Bars combine buttery, soft cookie dough loaded with colorful red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars bake to golden perfection and offer a sweet, celebratory treat that’s easy to make and serve.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and Topping
- 1 cup (180g) red and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
- 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (40g) holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just fully incorporated to form the cookie dough.
- Add Holiday Mix-ins: Gently fold in the red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles. This adds texture and a festive touch to your dough.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down into a smooth, uniform layer. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles on top for extra color and crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve your delightful Christmas cookie bars.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming with sugars.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute red and green chocolate candies with any festive colored candies of your choice.
- If desired, slightly underbake by a couple of minutes for softer, chewier bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
