Christmas Cookie Bars
Christmas Cookie Bars bring the warmth and joy of the holidays to your kitchen with every batch. These versatile and delightful treats combine the classic elements of Christmas cookies—sweet dough, chocolate, festive sprinkles—into crowd-pleasing, easy-to-serve bars.
The tradition of holiday cookie baking dates back centuries, with families gathering to create festive treats that signify love, generosity, and celebration. Nowadays, Christmas Cookie Bars simplify the process, offering all the nostalgic flavors of holiday cookies in a convenient, shareable form.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, looking for a homemade gift, or sharing treats with neighbors, these bars are a perfect choice. The appeal also lies in their adaptability: add your favorite chocolates, candies, or nuts for unique flavors and textures to suit any taste.
Visit reputable sources such as King Arthur Baking’s guide to cookies (https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/guides/cookies) for more inspiration on traditional cookie baking. Make your holidays extra special with Christmas Cookie Bars—a recipe that promises both delicious flavor and a touch of homemade holiday magic.
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup red and green chocolate candies (such as M&M’s)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup festive holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper for lining pan
Instructions for Making Christmas Cookie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and chopped nuts if using.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Top with extra candies and sprinkles if desired for decoration.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 24-28 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.
- Store Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutritional Information
Christmas Cookie Bars are a delectable holiday indulgence, providing plenty of energy and festive joy in every bite. Each serving (assuming you cut the pan into 24 bars) contains approximately 210 calories, 10g fat, 29g carbohydrates, 18g sugar, 2g protein, and 1g fiber.
The butter and eggs add a rich source of fats and protein, while the chocolate and candies contribute to the sugar content. Moderation is key to enjoying these bars as part of a balanced holiday spread.
For those seeking to modify the recipe for specific dietary needs, options such as using gluten-free flour, lower-sugar chocolate, or plant-based butters can be considered.
To learn more about baking substitutions and how they impact nutrition, consult reputable resources such as the Mayo Clinic’s healthy baking swaps (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/healthy-baking/faq-20058178). Despite their sweetness, Christmas Cookie Bars can be part of a joyous and moderate approach to seasonal eating when balanced with fruits, nuts, and other wholesome ingredients.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Christmas Cookie Bars
Christmas Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with classic holiday beverages. For those who enjoy warm drinks, a rich hot chocolate or spiced chai latte is comforting and brings out the sweet, chocolatey notes in the bars.
For a grown-up celebration, consider pairing with a glass of ruby port or a dessert wine such as Moscato d’Asti, which complements the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
If you prefer non-alcoholic pairings, creamy eggnog or a robust mug of freshly brewed coffee makes an excellent match for these festive bars, creating the perfect cozy moment.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To ensure your Christmas Cookie Bars achieve the perfect balance of chewy and crisp, start by carefully measuring your flour—a kitchen scale can offer more precision and prevent your bars from becoming dry. Melted butter creates a moist, tender texture, while brown sugar adds depth of flavor and chewiness.
Don’t overmix the dough once you’ve combined wet and dry ingredients; overworking the batter can result in tough bars. Customize your Christmas Cookie Bars by swapping in white or dark chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or your favorite chopped holiday candies.
For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans, or add toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a different texture. Enhance the festive presentation by reserving some colorful candies and sprinkles for the top before baking, ensuring every bar looks as good as it tastes.
If you’d like to experiment, try spreading a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an elegant finish. Finally, remember to allow bars to cool completely before slicing to get those clean, bakery-worthy edges that make your holiday dessert table shine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Christmas Cookie Bars at your next holiday gathering for guaranteed smiles. Arrange the bars on a festive platter, alternating with fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or mandarin orange segments for color and freshness.
If serving as part of a dessert buffet, offer an assortment of other cookies or candies to create a vibrant, inviting display. For potlucks or cookie swaps, Christmas Cookie Bars travel well and arrive intact, so consider packaging them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift.
At home, pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special after-dinner treat, or top with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of holiday candies for a cheerful presentation.
These bars are also perfect for sharing at school events, office parties, or tucked into holiday care packages for friends and family afar. Their vibrant colors and festive toppings instantly signal celebration, making them a centerpiece of any Christmas dessert table.
Christmas Cookie Bars Health Benefits
While Christmas Cookie Bars are undeniably a treat, there are several ways to make them a better fit for various dietary preferences.
Using whole wheat flour in place of some all-purpose flour can add fiber and nutrients, while substituting some of the sugars with natural alternatives like coconut sugar or maple syrup may slightly reduce the overall glycemic impact.
Adding nuts not only enhances flavor but also provides healthy fats and a dose of protein. You can also stir dried cranberries or chopped dark chocolate into the batter for antioxidants and richer taste.
For those with dietary restrictions, options such as vegan butter and egg replacements (like flax eggs) work well, and gluten-free flour blends make these bars accessible to those avoiding gluten.
While no dessert can be fully “health food,” mindful ingredient choices and prudent portion sizes allow you to savor the joy and nostalgia of Christmas Cookie Bars without overindulgence.
FAQs About Christmas Cookie Bars
Can I prepare Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, Christmas Cookie Bars can be prepared up to 3 days ahead of serving. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make Christmas Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and check all mix-ins for gluten content for a delicious gluten-free version.
How do I prevent my cookie bars from becoming dry?
Be careful not to overbake the bars; remove from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the center appears just set. Always measure your flour carefully and use melted butter for moisture.
What type of pan is best for baking Christmas Cookie Bars?
A 9×13-inch metal pan is ideal for even baking and sturdy edges. Line with parchment for easy removal and clean-up. Glass pans can be used but may require a slightly longer bake time.
Can I add different mix-ins to my Christmas Cookie Bars?
Yes! Swap in your favorite chocolates, toffee bits, or dried fruits. Use what you love or what you have on hand to customize your bars for any occasion.
Christmas Cookie Bars are a joyful, easy-to-make addition to your holiday baking repertoire, capturing the essence of festive cookies in every bite. With their chewy texture, vibrant toppings, and classic flavors, they bring delight to any celebration and serve as a perfect homemade gift. Whether you enjoy them with family beside the fireplace or share them at a lively holiday party, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Try your hand at customizing the recipe with your preferred mix-ins and share the magic of simple, homemade Christmas treats with loved ones throughout the season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
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2In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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3Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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4In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
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5Fold in the sprinkles and white chocolate chips, then spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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6Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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