Easy Christmas Cookie Bars for a Festive Holiday Treat

© Original Recipe By Serena’s Delights ©

🎄🍪 Easy Christmas Cookie Bars for a Festive Holiday Treat

1. Introduction

Looking for the perfect holiday dessert that combines easy preparation with irresistible flavor? Christmas cookie bars are just what you need to satisfy your festive cravings. These bars are a delightful mix of sweet, buttery cookie layers topped with colorful sprinkles and chocolate chips — ideal for sharing at holiday parties or enjoying as a cozy family treat. The aroma alone fills your home with a warm, inviting scent of holiday spices and vanilla. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe promises a fun, stress-free baking experience that results in a crowd-pleasing dessert.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 minutes — perfect for last-minute holiday baking sessions.
• One-pan simplicity — minimal clean-up, maximizing your holiday cheer.
• Versatile flavor combos — customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
• Impressively festive — eye-catching layers and colorful toppings make these cookie bars a holiday showstopper.

3. Ingredient Notes

The key to perfect Christmas cookie bars lies in choosing quality ingredients that enhance flavor and texture. Use high-quality unsalted butter for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base. White and brown sugars add depth and sweetness, with brown sugar providing a subtle caramel note. For the chocolate chips, opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. If you want to elevate the festive look, consider adding red and green colored sprinkles or mini holiday M&Ms on top. Fresh vanilla extract is essential—it’s the fragrant backbone of these bars. For an extra-rich taste, you might incorporate chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

Getting the right tools makes baking these holiday treats a breeze. A reliable KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer ensures your cookie dough is blended seamlessly, saving your arms from manual mixing. To bake a perfectly even layer, a Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics is versatile for other holiday recipes, but a good bakeware set like the T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set is your best friend for efficient, sticky-free baking. And don’t forget a sturdy Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master for prepping any add-ins or toppings!

5. How to Make Easy Christmas Cookie Bars for a Festive Holiday Treat

Prep the oven and pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures easy removal and clean slices later.

Make the cookie base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, sugars, and vanilla until creamy and aromatic. This mixture should be pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each for extra richness. Combine dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a separate bowl, then gradually blend into the wet mixture. The dough will be thick but sticky, with a luscious, buttery scent that instantly evokes holiday warmth.

Layer and add toppings

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, or mini M&Ms generously over the surface. For added festivity, press chopped nuts into the dough before baking. The toppings should look vibrant—almost jewel-like—ready to melt slightly into the dough as they bake, creating a chewy, chocolatey, and colorful layer.

Bake and cool

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. The center should still look slightly soft but set. You’ll notice the aroma of warm vanilla and melting chocolate filling your kitchen. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy the festive magic!

6. Expert Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps create a tender, crumbly texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough once adding the flour—mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
• For perfectly even bars, use a spatula to press the dough firmly into the pan, ensuring no air pockets.
• Chill the bars in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices and better presentation.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you’re seeking alternatives, you can swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips. For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips, which still yield equally delicious holiday desserts. To enhance a nutty flavor, toss in chopped pecans or walnuts. Gluten-free baking can be achieved by replacing all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can indulge in these festive cookie bars.

8. Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. Reheat a single serving in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to regain its soft, warm texture. These bars are best enjoyed fresh but are still delightful on subsequent days, especially when warmed up with a cup of holiday coffee or hot cocoa.

9. FAQ

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to select a blend that contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for the best texture.

How long do these cookie bars stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. For extended storage, freezing is your best bet.

Can I add other toppings or flavorings?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with crushed peppermint candies, dried cranberries, or a hint of cinnamon for extra holiday flavor. Layering in these additions can make each batch uniquely festive and flavorful.

10. Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the warm, aromatic feeling of enjoying homemade festive cookie bars during the holiday season. With their simple ingredients, forgiving baking process, and vibrant topping options, these holiday desserts are sure to become a family favorite. Gather your loved ones, indulge in the season’s cheerful flavors, and make lasting memories with this easy, irresistible treat. Happy baking!

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