Christmas Cookie Bars: 5-Step Easy & Delicious Recipe
Welcome, fellow baking enthusiasts! Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday tradition: these incredible Christmas Cookie Bars. This festive and utterly delightful treat is designed for simplicity, allowing you to whip up a batch of cheer in just 5 easy steps. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your holiday baking journey, this recipe for Christmas Cookie Bars: 5-Step Easy & Delicious Recipe promises pure joy and deliciousness with minimal fuss.
Imagine soft, chewy cookie bars, bursting with festive sprinkles and the classic flavors of the season. These bars are perfect for holiday parties, gifting to neighbors, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire. Let’s dive into making some memorable holiday baking magic!
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: The Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- 2. Why You’ll Adore These 5-Step Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
- 3. Essential Ingredients for Your Christmas Cookie Bars
- 3.1 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- 4. How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars: A Simple 5-Step Guide
- 4.1. Step 1: Prep and Preheat
- 4.2. Step 2: Mix the Dough
- 4.3. Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
- 4.4. Step 4: Cool and Slice
- 5. Tips for the Best Christmas Cookie Bars Ever!
- 6. Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Cookie Bars
1. Introduction: The Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
There’s something truly special about holiday baking, and these Christmas Cookie Bars embody all the warmth and joy of the season. Forget fussy individual cookies; these bars offer all the festive flavor in a convenient, sliceable format. They are the ultimate easy dessert recipe for busy holiday schedules.
Our recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a perfect batch every time. You’ll love how quickly these come together, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful festive treats.
2. Why You’ll Adore These 5-Step Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
These cookie bars aren’t just easy; they are incredibly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser. The simple preparation makes them ideal for involving little helpers in the kitchen, creating wonderful holiday memories.
Unlike traditional cookies that require chilling and individual rolling, these bars are spread into a single pan, saving you precious time. They’re a fantastic alternative when you need a delicious christmas dessert without the usual stress. Plus, who can resist a cheerful sprinkle-covered treat?
3. Essential Ingredients for Your Christmas Cookie Bars
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, or a mix)
- Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or mini M&M’s
3.1 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
For best results, use good quality butter and fresh eggs. If you don’t have light brown sugar, you can use all granulated sugar, but the brown sugar adds a lovely chewiness. Feel free to customize your sprinkles to any occasion!
You can also swap out the sprinkles for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. This cookie bar recipe is very versatile. Find more baking tips here!
4. How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars: A Simple 5-Step Guide
Let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of perfect Christmas Cookie Bars.
4.1. Step 1: Prep and Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This makes cleaning up a breeze and ensures your bars won’t stick.
4.2. Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix! Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles and any optional add-ins.
4.3. Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
4.4. Step 4: Cool and Slice
- Allow the Christmas Cookie Bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Once completely cool, slice into squares or festive shapes using a cookie cutter for extra holiday charm.
5. Tips for the Best Christmas Cookie Bars Ever!
To ensure your Christmas Cookie Bars are absolutely perfect, here are a few expert tips. Don’t overbake them; slightly underbaked bars will be wonderfully chewy, while overbaked ones can become dry.
Use good quality sprinkles that hold their color well during baking. You can also press a few extra sprinkles on top immediately after baking for an extra burst of color. Remember, precision in measuring flour is key for a tender crumb. See others recipes here .
6. Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Cookie Bars
These Christmas Cookie Bars are delightful on their own, but a few additions can make them even more special. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.
They pair wonderfully with a hot mug of coffee, tea, or homemade hot chocolate. These festive bars also make fantastic edible gifts, packaged in pretty tins or cellophane bags. Enjoy every bite of this easy and delicious christmas dessert!
Foire Aux Questions
Can I freeze these Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! These Christmas Cookie Bars freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, slice them into individual portions and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.
How should I store leftover cookie bars?
To keep your Christmas Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For extended freshness, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What kind of sprinkles are best for Christmas Cookie Bars?
For the most vibrant and festive look, use high-quality jimmie-style sprinkles or nonpareils in traditional Christmas colors like red, green, and white. Avoid very cheap sprinkles as their color can sometimes bleed during baking. A mix of different festive shapes also adds a wonderful touch!