Name: Christmas Cookie Bars: 7 Reasons to Bake This Festive Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491853H47M42S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips); Optional add-ins: Sprinkles, chopped candy canes, holiday-themed M&Ms, or chopped nuts; ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting; Holiday sprinkles (optional)

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Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat that will bring smiles to everyone. They are soft, sweet, and loaded with festive colors and chocolate chips, making them the perfect addition to any holiday dessert table. With no rolling or shaping required, these bars are incredibly easy to make, allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for a simple dessert to bake with your kids, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Bars

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Christmas Cookie Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a great choice for busy holiday schedules. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, such as sprinkles or candy canes, to create your own unique version. Additionally, they are perfect for sharing, making them ideal for holiday gatherings. The soft texture paired with the chocolate chips offers a delightful contrast. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy them for days after baking. Lastly, they fit perfectly into the category of Easy Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe, satisfying your sweet tooth without much fuss. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a festive dessert that everyone will adore!

Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips)
Optional add-ins: Sprinkles, chopped candy canes, holiday-themed M&Ms, or chopped nuts
¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Holiday sprinkles (optional)

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir until combined.
Step 5: Once the dough is mixed, fold in the mini chocolate chips (or any other add-ins you desire). The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 6: Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you want your bars extra soft, check them at 20 minutes and remove once they’re just set.
Step 8: Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.
Step 9: Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar or sprinkle them with extra holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.

Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bars tender.
If desired, add more chocolate chips or festive mix-ins for extra flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars

These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can also be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. You can drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra touch. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee to complement the sweet flavors. They also make excellent additions to cookie platters during holiday parties or as gifts for friends and family.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cookie Bars

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. This makes them perfect for meal prep during the festive season!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Cookie Bars?

The secret lies in not overbaking them! For the best texture, remove them from the oven just as they are set and lightly golden on top. This will ensure they remain soft and chewy.

Can I make Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they will maintain their delicious flavor and texture for your holiday gatherings!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cookie Bars?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients accurately and don’t skip the parchment paper lining. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

Variations of Christmas Cookie Bars You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these festive twists:

Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
Add peppermint extract for a minty touch, perfect for the holidays.
Mix in dried cranberries or chopped nuts for added texture.
Top with cream cheese frosting for a festive cake-like version.

Christmas Cookie Bars: 7 Reasons to Bake This Festive Treat

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat—soft, sweet, and studded with festive colors and chocolate chips.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir until combined.
Once the dough is mixed, fold in the mini chocolate chips (or any other add-ins you desire). The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you want your bars extra soft, check them at 20 minutes and remove once they’re just set.
Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.
Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar or sprinkle them with extra holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.