Christmas Cookie Bars

Brighten up your holiday season with these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars! With a deliciously soft, chewy texture and festive colors, these bars are perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also a guaranteed hit with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: These Christmas Cookie Bars are incredibly simple and don’t require any rolling or cutting.
• Perfect for Parties: With a single batch, you can serve plenty of people, making it ideal for holiday events.
• Customizable: Add your favorite holiday toppings for a personal touch.
• Make Ahead: They store well, so you can prepare them in advance.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup festive holiday M&Ms or chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• Optional: red and green sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.

Step 5: Add Mix-Ins

Fold in the holiday M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press it gently with a spatula to smooth out the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Storage Tips

Store the Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars

1. Use Softened Butter: This ensures your bars are tender and moist.
2. Don’t Overbake: They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so remove them as soon as they’re golden around the edges.
3. Get Creative: Add dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, or pecans for an extra festive twist!

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Easy to make and full of seasonal flavor, they’re a delightful treat that’s sure to spread holiday cheer. Try them out this season, and let your kitchen be filled with the warm, sweet scents of Christmas!

Here are some serving and storage tips for your Christmas Cookie Bars to ensure they stay delicious and festive!

Serving Tips

1. Presentation: Cut the bars into squares and arrange them on a decorative platter. You can sprinkle additional festive toppings, like red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes, for a holiday touch.
2. Pairing: Serve the cookie bars with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or festive holiday beverages like eggnog or mulled wine for a delightful treat.
3. Individual Packaging: For cookie exchanges or gifts, wrap each bar in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon. This adds a personal touch and makes them easy to transport.
4. Add Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve warm cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, drizzling with chocolate or caramel sauce.
5. Garnish: Consider garnishing each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can store the bars in the refrigerator, which can help keep them fresh for a longer period. They can last up to two weeks when refrigerated.
3. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookie bars in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
4. Reheating: If you like your cookie bars warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Christmas Cookie Bars for days, making them a delightful and festive treat throughout the holiday season! Whether at a party or as a sweet snack at home, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit.

1. Can I substitute ingredients in the Christmas Cookie Bars recipe?

• Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences! You can use gluten-free flour to make them gluten-free or swap out the M&Ms for chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts. For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

1. How do I know when my cookie bars are done baking?

• Your Christmas Cookie Bars are done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that they will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

1. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can make the cookie bars up to a week in advance. Once they cool completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them. They also freeze well for up to two months, making them perfect for holiday prep!

1. What’s the best way to cut cookie bars without them crumbling?

• To cut your cookie bars cleanly, allow them to cool completely before slicing. Using a sharp knife, run it under hot water, then dry it before cutting. This helps achieve clean cuts without crumbling the bars. For even more precise slices, you can also use a pizza cutter!

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