Christmas Cookie Bars: Easy Recipes for Festive Treats

Christmas Cookie Bars: A Festive Delight

Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations. As the aroma of these delightful bars fills your home, it’s hard not to feel the spirit of the season. Originating from the tradition of baking cookies during the festive season, these bars combine the best elements of classic cookies into a convenient, shareable form.

People love Christmas Cookie Bars for their rich flavors and chewy texture, making them a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. With layers of chocolate, nuts, and festive sprinkles, each bite is a celebration of taste and texture. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, Christmas Cookie Bars are sure to become a cherished part of your festive traditions.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside as we will incorporate it later.
3. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookie bars tough.

Adding the Mix-Ins

1. Once the batter is well combined, gently fold in the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts (if using), and dried cranberries or cherries (if using). Use a spatula to ensure even distribution without overworking the batter.
2. At this point, you can taste the batter (if you’re comfortable with it) to see if you want to add more chocolate chips or nuts. I often find that a little extra chocolate never hurts!

Cooking Process

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure to reach the corners and smooth the top.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into bars later.
4. After cooling slightly, transfer the cookie bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it helps the bars set properly.

Assembling and Serving

1. Once the cookie bars are completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. I usually aim for about 24 bars, but you can make them larger or smaller as you like.
2. If desired, dust the tops of the cookie bars with powdered sugar for a festive touch. This adds a nice contrast and makes them look extra special for the holidays.
3. Arrange the cookie bars on a festive platter or in a decorative tin for gifting. They make a wonderful treat for holiday parties or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
4. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars

• Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your cookie bars will taste. Opt for high-quality chocolate and fresh eggs.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. They can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add different

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines the best of both worlds—cookies and bars—then these Christmas Cookie Bars are an absolute must-try! They are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. The combination of rich flavors, chewy textures, and colorful toppings will surely delight your family and friends, bringing a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering.

  One of the best things about these Christmas Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For a fun twist, consider adding different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, to create a unique flavor profile. You could also incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch. If you want to make them even more festive, try adding a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top before serving. The possibilities are endless!

  When it comes to serving suggestions, these cookie bars are perfect for any occasion. They can be served warm, straight from the oven, or allowed to cool and cut into squares for a more traditional presentation. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa for a delightful treat that everyone will love. They also make fantastic gifts! Just package them in a decorative tin or box, and you have a thoughtful homemade present that’s sure to impress.

  I encourage you to give these Christmas Cookie Bars a try this holiday season. Not only will you enjoy the process of baking them, but you’ll also create wonderful memories with your loved ones as you share these delicious treats. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any fun variations? How did your family react? Feel free to share your thoughts and photos on social media or in the comments section below.

  In conclusion, these Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful way to celebrate the season, bringing joy and sweetness to your holiday festivities. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these scrumptious bars that will surely become a cherished tradition in your home. Happy baking!

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  Christmas Cookie Bars: Easy Recipes for Festive Treats

  These cookie bars feature a delicious blend of white and semi-sweet chocolate, complemented by the tartness of dried cranberries or cherries. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

  Prep Time15 minutes

  Cook Time30 minutes

  Total Time45 minutes

  Category: Easy Lunches

  Yield: 24 cookie bars

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

  Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts (if using), and dried cranberries or cherries (if using) using a spatula.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer the cookie bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cool, cut the bars into squares or rectangles (aim for about 24 bars). Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve on a festive platter or in a decorative tin.

  Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
  • Use high-quality chocolate and fresh eggs for the best flavor.
  • Keep an eye on the bars while baking to avoid overbaking.