Christmas Cookie Bars
The holiday season is filled with joy, love, and wonderful treats. One of the most beloved holiday treats is the Christmas Cookie Bar. These delightful bars combine the best aspects of cookies into one delicious and festive dessert. They’re easy to make, can feed a crowd, and are perfect for sharing at parties and gatherings. In this article, we will explore why you will love making Christmas Cookie Bars and guide you step-by-step through the recipe, storage tips, and some fun variations to try!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Christmas Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. You can get your family involved, adding sprinkles and cutting them into fun shapes once they cool. These cookie bars are chewy, sweet, and packed with holiday spirit. The combination of flavors and textures will remind you of the holiday magic, and they are sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe is also hugely versatile. You can modify it to include your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. The beautiful colors from the holiday sprinkles not only make these cookie bars eye-catching but also elevate the festive mood of any holiday gathering. You can serve them as part of a cookie exchange, bring them to parties, or simply enjoy them at home with a glass of milk.
How to Prepare Christmas Cookie Bars
Now that you know why these cookie bars are so special, let’s dive into how to prepare them. Here, we will break down the ingredients and provide detailed instructions to ensure that your baking experience is seamless and enjoyable.
Ingredients:
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here is what you will need:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups holiday sprinkles (or your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit)
Instructions:
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, follow these simple steps to prepare your Christmas Cookie Bars:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookie bars bake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the two large eggs into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookie bars tough.
Fold in the Sprinkles: Once the dough is mixed, gently fold in the holiday sprinkles (or any other mix-ins you prefer). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Spread the Dough in the Pan: Scoop the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Bake the Cookie Bars: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The edges should be golden brown, and the center should look slightly soft.
Cool the Bars: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, lift the cookie bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut into Squares: Once the cookie bars have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. The number of servings depends on how large or small you want your bars to be.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars
Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for various occasions. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:
- At a Holiday Party: Arrange the bars on a festive platter and decorate with additional holiday sprinkles or icing for an extra touch.
- For Gift-Giving: Pack them in a box tied with a pretty ribbon. Homemade treats make thoughtful gifts that friends and family will love.
- As a Dessert: Pile some bars on a dessert table alongside other treats like brownies or pies for a sweet spread.
Serve the cookie bars alongside a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even coffee for a delightful addition to your holiday festivities.
How to Store Christmas Cookie Bars
Storing your Christmas Cookie Bars properly will help maintain their flavor and texture, allowing you to enjoy them longer.
At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bars within a few days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to five days.
In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They will be good for up to a week when stored this way.
In the Freezer: If you want to save some cookie bars for later, you can freeze them. Place the bars in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips for Preparing Christmas Cookie Bars
Here are some handy tips to ensure your Christmas Cookie Bars turn out perfect every time:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them mix better and leads to a consistent texture in your cookie bars.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to switch up the mix-ins. You can try using different types of chocolate chips, or even crushed peppermint candies for a fun twist.
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the bars to prevent overbaking. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven since they will continue to cook a bit while cooling.
Use Humidity to Your Advantage: If it’s a dry day, the dough may be drier than on humid days. Be ready to adjust slightly by adding a tablespoon of milk if necessary.
Variation (if applicable)
While this classic Christmas Cookie Bar recipe is wonderful as is, you can easily modify it to fit your taste preferences:
- Chocolate Peppermint Bars: Add crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips for a refreshing mint flavor.
- Nutty Cookie Bars: Incorporate chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for added crunch.
- Caramel Swirl Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the dough before baking for a gooey treat.
- Holiday Flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your bars a holiday twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum to help the texture.Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and bake them in a larger baking dish. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need additional time if the bars are thicker.What can I use instead of eggs?
You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken).
Making Christmas Cookie Bars is a delightful activity that brings the joy of the holidays right into your kitchen. With their colorful sprinkles and wonderful flavors, they serve as a sweet reminder of togetherness and celebration. Enjoy the baking process and the smiles that come with sharing these tasty treats!
