Why Make This Christmas Cookie Bars
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the joyful spirit of the holiday season, look no further than Christmas Cookie Bars! These sweet, chewy bars are not only filled with rich chocolate and festive sprinkles but also come together easily, making them perfect for holiday baking. With a warm, buttery base and a soft, gooey texture, every bite feels like a hug from a cozy winter evening. Plus, they make for a lovely gift or a festive addition to your holiday dessert table!
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Creating these Christmas Cookie Bars is a cinch and requires just a handful of pantry staples. You’ll start by creaming the butter and sugars together until smooth and fluffy, infusing your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Then, you’ll mix in the egg and vanilla, giving the bars a rich flavor. After combining your dry ingredients, gently fold them into the wet mixture along with chocolate chips and bright sprinkles. Once baked, these bars have a golden exterior with a soft, chewy center that your friends and family will love!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup holiday-themed sprinkles
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles, making sure to distribute them evenly.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy with family and friends!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Christmas Cookie Bars (1 bar, based on a total of 16 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars
These delightful cookie bars are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy family nights by the fire. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a deliciously decadent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea. Don’t forget to stack them on a decorative platter to make a festive display!
How to Store Christmas Cookie Bars
To keep your Christmas Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze these bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the right texture in the bars.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- If you prefer a nutty flavor, feel free to mix in 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
- Avoid overmixing after you combine the wet and dry ingredients to ensure your bars remain soft and chewy.
Delicious Variations
- Peppermint Crunch: Swap half of the chocolate chips for crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Bars: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- White Chocolate Celebration: Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and use festive colored sprinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
2. What’s the best way to cut cookie bars?
For clean cuts, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.
3. Can I create these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones. Their chewy, chocolatey goodness paired with colorful sprinkles makes them a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch or two and share the joy of baking with family and friends. Dive in, have fun, and let these bars bring smiles to your holiday celebrations! Happy baking!
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles, making sure to distribute them evenly.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Serve and enjoy with family and friends!