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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently integrate vanilla extract into the wet mixture, stirring until harmoniously combined.
- 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.
- Delicately incorporate semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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