Christmas Cookie Bars

If you’re looking to add an irresistible, festive treat to your holiday spread, these Christmas Cookie Bars are exactly what you need. They combine all the warm, nostalgic flavors of classic holiday cookies into one simple, shareable bar—perfect for family gatherings, secret Santa parties, or cozy nights by the fire. With a tender yet chewy texture and a delightful array of sprinkle or chocolate chip toppings, these bars bring the magic of Christmas baking without hours of fuss. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with these quick, festive, and deliciously satisfying treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: This recipe skips complicated steps but still produces bakery-quality dessert bars perfect for holiday gifting.
• Versatile flavors: Customizable ingredients and toppings let you create your perfect festive combination every time.
• Perfect texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crisp edges make these bars irresistible with every bite.
• Great for sharing: Easy to slice and pack, making them ideal for parties, lunchboxes, and cookie exchanges.
• Kid-friendly baking: A fun, approachable recipe that little bakers can help prepare, spreading holiday cheer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps the ingredient list straightforward yet essential, ensuring each component brings something special to the table—from sweetness and spice to moisture and chewiness.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the bars and balances tenderness with firm texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel depth to the sweetness, making every bite deliciously soft.
• Butter: Brings buttery richness and a melt-in-your-mouth feel, especially when slightly browned.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients perfectly and contribute to the chewy consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a warm, aromatic touch that feels like Christmas itself.
• Baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough for a light texture without losing the classic chewyness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the other flavors subtly so nothing tastes flat.
• Festive toppings (chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, sprinkles): Customize your bars with colorful and tasty toppings to suit your holiday vibe.

Variations for Christmas Cookie Bars

Feel free to make this recipe your own with easy substitutions and additions that fit your dietary needs, flavor preferences, or whatever you have in your pantry this season.

• Gluten-free swap: Use a certified gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these bars without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and festive flavor boost.
• White chocolate and cranberry: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and sprinkle dried cranberries for a classic holiday combo.
• Gingerbread version: Incorporate ground ginger, cinnamon, and molasses to create a cozy gingerbread cookie bar variation.
• Vegan adaptation: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and a flaxseed egg substitute, keeping the bars moist and flavorful.

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to a tender texture with just the right chew.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. This forms the base of your dough and builds that wonderful depth of flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, folding gently until the batter just comes together.

Step 5: Add Your Toppings

Fold in or sprinkle over your favorite toppings—whether festive sprinkles, chocolate chips, or crushed peppermint candies—getting the Christmas spirit right into every bite.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden around the edges and set in the center. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Cookie Bars

• Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and eggs at room temperature helps the batter blend smoothly for a tender texture.
• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to prevent dense bars and keep them light and chewy.
• Even spreading: Use a spatula to spread batter evenly in the pan to ensure uniform baking and consistent bar sizes.
• Test doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; a few moist crumbs indicate perfectly baked bars that aren’t overdone.
• Customize toppings last: Press toppings gently on top for pretty presentation and maximum flavor with each bite.

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled bars for an elegant, snowy finish. Fresh rosemary sprigs or red holly berries nearby add festive charm on the serving plate.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced cider, or your favorite holiday coffee blend for a cozy, satisfying snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Christmas Cookie Bars stacked on a tiered dessert tray or wrapped individually in festive cellophane tied with ribbon—perfect for gifting or party favors that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Christmas Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, ensuring they retain their soft and chewy texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the bars in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm bars briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel, especially delightful when topped with a vanilla scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar, but brown sugar is preferred for its moisture and rich flavor, which give the bars their signature chewiness.

Are Christmas Cookie Bars suitable for freezing?

Absolutely, they freeze wonderfully without losing texture, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits?

Definitely! Chopped nuts or dried cranberries add great texture and flavor, just fold them into the batter before baking.

How do I make these bars vegan?

Replace the butter with vegan margarine and use flaxseed or chia seed eggs as an egg substitute to keep the bars moist and delicious.

What is the best way to cut the bars without crumbling?

Ensure the bars have cooled completely, then use a sharp, clean knife to make smooth, decisive cuts for clean edges.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Cookie Bars capture everything festive and joyful about holiday baking in a simple, satisfying way. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, giving gifts, or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe is a fantastic go-to that combines ease, flavor, and holiday spirit. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and enjoy the magic of baking these bars that everyone will love!

Related Posts

• Flourless Pistachio Cake with Chocolate Ganache
• Christmas Tree Cake Crack
• Flourless Chocolate Protein Brownie Bites

Print