Jolly Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet memories often bloom around festive Christmas cookie bars that spark joy in every household.

Grandma’s secret recipe whispers tales of warmth and togetherness during holiday gatherings.

Soft, chewy edges blended with rich chocolate chips create an irresistible treat that melts hearts instantly.

Gathering loved ones in the kitchen, sharing laughter while mixing ingredients and spreading cheer.

Weekend baking becomes a delightful adventure with these simple yet magical bars that promise pure happiness.

Professional bakers and kitchen novices alike can craft these delectable morsels with minimal effort.

One bite transports you to childhood winters filled with comfort and celebration.

Grab a napkin and let the delicious journey begin!

Tasty Matches For Christmas Cookie Bars

• Pair with Festive Hot Cocoa: Complement the sweet, chocolatey Christmas cookie bars with a rich, creamy hot cocoa topped with marshmallows. The warm, velvety drink perfectly balances the crunchy, sprinkle-filled bars.
• Match with Peppermint Mocha: Elevate the holiday flavor profile by serving these cookie bars alongside a smooth peppermint mocha. The mint's cool freshness and coffee's depth enhance the cookies' sweet, festive notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful dessert combination by adding a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream next to the warm cookie bars. The cold, smooth ice cream provides a beautiful contrast to the warm, chewy texture.
• Accompany with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a fragrant spiced chai latte that brings warm holiday spices like cinnamon and cardamom to complement the cookie bars' sweet, festive character.

Ways To Mix Up Christmas Cookie Bars

• Peppermint Paradise: Swap holiday sprinkles with crushed candy canes and add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a cool, refreshing holiday flavor that brings winter cheer.
• Nutty Winter Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds to the batter, then drizzle melted white chocolate on top after baking for a rich, textured cookie bar with extra crunch.
• Gingerbread Comfort: Replace half the granulated sugar with molasses, add ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to create a warm, spicy gingerbread-style cookie bar that captures traditional holiday essence.
• Festive Rocky Road: Blend mini marshmallows and chopped dark chocolate into the mixture, then top with a light chocolate drizzle and additional marshmallow pieces for a decadent, playful holiday treat.

Most Asked Questions About Christmas Cookie Bars

• What makes these Christmas Cookie Bars special?

These bars combine the festive spirit of holiday sprinkles with classic chocolate chips, creating a fun and delicious treat that captures the magic of Christmas in every bite.

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can mix and match chocolate chips like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel chips to create your own unique flavor combination.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The bars should look slightly underbaked in the middle, as they’ll continue to set while cooling, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.

• Are these bars good for holiday gift-giving?

Yes! These bars are perfect for holiday gift-giving. You can cut them into neat squares, wrap them in festive packaging, and they’ll make a delightful homemade gift for friends and family.

What Makes Christmas Cookie Bars So Special

• Burst of Holiday Cheer: Packed with festive sprinkles and two types of chocolate chips, these bars instantly create a merry mood that'll have everyone smiling.
• Super Simple Baking: Requires minimal steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Delivers a delightful combination of soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges that melt in your mouth and satisfy sweet cravings.
• Quick Festive Treat: Takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen during busy holiday season.

All You Need For Christmas Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie bars, choose unbleached for best texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and deep caramel-like flavor to the bars.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds richness, use large room temperature eggs.
• Butter: Creates rich flavor and tender texture, unsalted preferred for better control of salt content.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, pure vanilla recommended over artificial.

• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread, ensures light texture.
• Baking Powder: Additional leavening agent for soft, tender cookie bars.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips: Add delicious chocolate pockets and festive texture.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Provides colorful, festive visual appeal and extra fun to the bars.

Easy Guide To Bake Christmas Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and get it ready by either coating it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. Set your oven to warm up at 350 Fahrenheit (175 Celsius).

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Soft butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy. Crack eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Add Festive Mix-ins

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• White chocolate chips
• Holiday sprinkles

Mix delicately to distribute goodies evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Spread and Decorate

Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to create an even surface. Sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles across the top for extra cheer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and center looks set.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely inside the pan. Once cooled, slice into delightful squares.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into 16-20 squares. Serve alongside hot cocoa or as a stunning addition to your holiday dessert spread. Watch friends and family devour these delicious treats!

Tips For The Best Christmas Cookie Bars

• Customize Sprinkles: Select seasonal or themed sprinkles to match different holidays and celebrations, making these cookie bars versatile for any festive occasion.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture, creating a more consistent and tender cookie bar.
• Prevent Overbaking: Check bars a few minutes before recommended baking time, looking for golden edges and a slightly soft center to maintain a chewy, moist texture.
• Storage Savvy: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing quality.
• Chocolate Variation: Experiment with different chocolate chip combinations like milk, dark, or mint chocolate chips to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.

How To Store Christmas Cookie Bars Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Room Temperature: Keep bars at room temperature for 2-3 days if placed in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm cold bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for soft, fresh-like texture. Avoid overheating to maintain their delicious, tender consistency.

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic unfolds with these Christmas cookie bars, blending festive spices and rich chocolate into a nostalgic dessert. Crumbly edges and gooey centers promise delightful moments you’ll savor during seasonal celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups (375 grams / 13.2 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 grams / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams / 7.8 ounces) brown sugar, packed

Chocolate and Chips:

• 1 cup (170 grams / 6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (170 grams / 6 ounces) white chocolate chips or chunks

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (80 grams / 2.8 ounces) red and green holiday sprinkles
• Extra sprinkles, for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by positioning the oven rack in the center and heating to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture achieves a creamy, pale consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, whisking thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
3. Gently integrate vanilla extract into the wet mixture, stirring until harmoniously combined.
4. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate container. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the dough.
5. Delicately incorporate semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, using a flexible spatula to spread evenly and create a uniform surface. Scatter additional holiday sprinkles across the top for a festive appearance.
7. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-27 minutes. Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center as indicators of perfect doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan. This resting period helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.
9. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into neat squares and arrange on a decorative platter. These delectable treats pair wonderfully with warm beverages or as a delightful holiday dessert option.

Notes

• Softening butter to room temperature ensures smooth, even mixing and helps create a perfectly tender cookie bar texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough after adding dry ingredients, as this can make the bars tough and dense instead of soft and chewy.
• Rotate the baking pan halfway through cooking to guarantee even browning and prevent any potential burning on one side.
• For gluten-free variations, swap all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg