Christmas Cookie Bars: A Delightful Treat for the Season
As the festive season rolls around, the scent of freshly baked goods is an essential part of the celebration. One sweet treat that perfectly captures the holiday spirit is none other than Christmas Cookie Bars! These deliciously chewy bars merge the classic flavors of holiday cookie favorites into an easy-to-make dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Did you know that cookie bars can save you time and effort compared to baking traditional cookies? Just imagine cutting down on baking time while still filling your home with the warm scents of vanilla, butter, and festive spices! They are effortless and family-friendly, making them an attractive choice for both keen bakers and busy parents.
If you love holiday treats like our festive Gingerbread Cookies, you’re definitely going to adore these Christmas Cookie Bars too! The best part? They’re perfect for family gatherings or as a delightful gift for neighbors. So preheat your oven—your new favorite winter dessert awaits!
What are Christmas Cookie Bars?
You might be wondering, “What exactly are Christmas Cookie Bars?” Ah, that’s a great question! Imagine all the goodness of round, classic Christmas cookies packed into one irresistible bar. It’s like the holiday cookie platter condensed into a delicious square! Some might even say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and with these cookie bars, you will undoubtedly win hearts aplenty! For those busy bakers who prefer efficiency over rolling dough into perfectly shaped circles, these bars are a total game-changer. Just bake, slice, and serve! If you’re ready to have some sweet fun, this festive recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Bars
Holiday Spirit in Every Bite: One bite of these lush Christmas Cookie Bars, and you’ll be enveloped in the delightful flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. It’s like a holiday hug for your taste buds!
Cost-Saving Magic: Why spend a fortune on store-bought cookies when you can whip up a mouthwatering batch at home for a fraction of the cost? The simplicity of this recipe means that even on a tight budget, you can create a festive treat that looks (and tastes) extravagant.
Customizable Joy: These bars are incredibly versatile! You can add your waistline’s best friends like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to jazz them up. You could even swap in healthier ingredients if you feel like experimenting. If you love these, you might also want to check out our classic Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe for another deliciously fun baking experience! Get those aprons ready—let’s make some Christmas magic happen!
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Quick Overview
Prepare to fall in love with these Christmas Cookie Bars, which can be whipped up in under an hour! They are not only sweet and chewy but are also packed with holiday flavors that will leave you and your guests wanting more. With everything combined into one pan, these bars are as easy to prepare as they are delightful to enjoy!
Key Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
Here are the delicious ingredients you’ll need to create these festive bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (for that festive touch!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla until combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Stir in Toppings (if desired): Gently fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Enjoy!
What to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars With
To elevate your holiday dessert game, pair these festive cookie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider will also complement the flavors beautifully! Have you ever paired a dessert with a fun drink? It’s a great way to create an unforgettable meal experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting Christmas Cookie Bars
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Customize: Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts based on your personal taste!
- Watch the Oven: Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on your bars. They should be slightly golden on the edges when done.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Christmas Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though they may vanish sooner! If you want to store them for longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Now that you have this delightful recipe, you’re ready to spread some holiday cheer with your very own batch of Christmas Cookie Bars. Get baking, and enjoy every chewy, sweet bite!
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla until combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and sprinkles, if desired.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
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