The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

With the holiday season approaching, there’s nothing better than filling your home with the smell of freshly baked goodies. These Christmas Cookie Bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes, too. Perfectly festive and incredibly delicious, they are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie. They combine the rich flavors of chocolate and vanilla with a hint of holiday spice, making each bite a celebration. Not only are they irresistibly tasty, but they’re also easy to make, which means more time to enjoy with family and friends!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup holiday-themed sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the sprinkles.
7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles on top.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Do not overmix the dough once you add the flour to ensure the bars remain soft and tender.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.

Additional Tips and Variations

For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries. For a different twist, drizzle the bars with melted white chocolate once cooled.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How should I store these cookie bars? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze these bars? Absolutely! Wrap them in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a staple in your festive celebrations. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out. We’d love to hear about your baking adventures!