The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

by

When it comes to holiday baking, there’s something truly special about cookie bars. The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars blend all your favorite festive flavors into one deliciously easy-to-make treat. Imagine the buttery softness of cookies combined with the convenience of bars, making it a must-have recipe for your holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or family desserts. Let’s make your kitchen the heart of holiday cheer with this festive treat that everyone will love!

A Perfect Blend of Flavors

Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you crave chocolate, spices, or fruits, these bars can showcase your favorite festive ingredients. The best part? They bake more evenly than traditional cookies and usually yield more servings!

Easy to Make

Unlike traditional cookies that require you to scoop, roll, and shape dough, cookie bars are all about convenience. You simply spread the dough in a pan, bake, and cut into squares. This makes them perfect for busy holiday baking schedules.

Versatile and Customizable

Have you ever found yourself with leftover candy canes or chocolate from holiday treats? Cookie bars are incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix in your favorite ingredients. Use what you have or experiment with new flavors—there are endless possibilities!

To whip up a batch of these magical cookie bars, gather the following ingredients:

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix-ins

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (for a festive touch)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to enhance the holiday flavor)

Toppings

  • Sprinkles: Add some holiday cheer with colorful sprinkles.
  • Drizzle of frosting: A simple powdered sugar icing can elevate the look and flavor.
  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  1. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
  2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, and chopped nuts.
  1. Spread in the Pan: Pour the cookie bar dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
  2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges may turn golden brown.
  3. Cooling Time: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  1. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Why not take those cookie bars up a notch? Here are some fun and festive decoration ideas:

Frosting Options

  • Simple Vanilla Icing: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and a splash of vanilla extract for a quick drizzle.
  • Chocolate Ganache: Melt equal parts chocolate and cream for a luxurious pour-over topping.
See also  Hatch Chile Salsa with Tomatillos and Lime

Festive Toppings

  • Candy Canes: Crush some candy canes for a sprinkling on top for that peppermint flair.
  • Colored Sprinkles: These add a festive touch and appeal to kids.

Keeping your Christmas Cookie Bars fresh is easy. Here’s how:

Room Temperature

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week.

Refrigeration

If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. Make sure to let them sit out for a few minutes before serving, so they soften slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze cookie bars for later enjoyment. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll be good for about two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to treat yourself.

Feel free to switch things up with these delightful variations:

Combine the traditional cookie bar base with ginger, molasses, and spices to create a warm, spicy flavor profile. Top with cream cheese frosting for added decadence!

Add rolled oats and raisins to the classic cookie bar mix. This variation brings in a chewy texture and a wholesome feel.

Incorporating Nutella for a swirled effect will create chocolatey goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

To elevate your cookie bar experience, think about these pairing ideas:

Coffee or Hot Chocolate

Is there anything better than pairing a sweet treat with a hot beverage? Enjoy your cookie bars with a cup of coffee or a warm mug of hot chocolate laden with marshmallows.

Milk

A classic choice! Whether it’s cold or warm, milk complements the richness of cookie bars beautifully.

Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert option, serve warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream on top.

Baking and sharing your Christmas Cookie Bars can become a delightful holiday tradition. Here’s how to spread the cheer:

Bake a big batch and bring them to a cookie exchange. Everyone will appreciate the treat, and you’ll get to sample what others have made!

Gift-Friend Boxes

Package some cookie bars in festive containers and share them with friends, family, or neighbors as a lovely holiday gift.

Holiday Parties

Bring these cookie bars to holiday parties for a guaranteed hit. They’re easy to transport, and who can resist a delicious homemade treat?

Use Quality Ingredients

Quality brings out the best flavor. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and fresh spices for incredible taste.

Don’t Overbake

Keep an eye on your bars while baking. They might seem underbaked when you take them out, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Customize to Your Family’s Preferences

Consider what flavors your family loves. These cookie bars can easily be adjusted to include their favorites or to exclude anything they don’t enjoy.

The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful way to spread holiday cheer and share warmth in your home. With a simple recipe and plenty of options to customize, they’re sure to become a holiday staple for years to come. From festive decorations to lovely pairings, you can create a memorable experience that captures the spirit of Christmas.

So, gather your loved ones, preheat that oven, and make this holiday season extra special with these delicious treats. Trust me, your holiday baking will never be the same again! Happy baking!