Ah, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about it, isn’t there? The cheerful music, the twinkling lights, and, of course, the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. One of my absolute favorites? Christmas cookie bars! These delightful bars are a fun twist on traditional cookies, combining all those beloved flavors into one easy-to-make dessert. I remember baking these with my family every Christmas, our kitchen bustling with laughter and the chatter of excited kids. Trust me, there’s nothing like the joy of cutting into a warm, gooey cookie bar and sharing it with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking to spread some festive cheer, these bars are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions too!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (optional)
How to Prepare Christmas Cookie Bars
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Christmas cookie bars! It’s all about following a few simple steps to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your bars to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a greased baking pan—either a 9×13-inch or something similar will work great. Line it with parchment paper if you want easy removal later!
Step 2: Creaming the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until it’s smooth and creamy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract too!
Step 3: Adding Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make your bars tough. We want them soft and chewy!
Step 4: Folding in Mix-ins
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in your chocolate chips, and if you’re using them, the chopped nuts and dried cranberries. Use a spatula and take your time; you want everything evenly distributed without overworking the batter. Trust me, those chocolate chips will melt into gooey goodness!
Step 5: Baking
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan before cutting into those delicious bars!
Tips for Success with Christmas Cookie Bars
Getting the perfect Christmas cookie bars is all about paying attention to a few key details! First, keep an eye on your baking time—ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. If you like your bars extra chewy, underbake them slightly; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Don’t hesitate to customize your mix-ins! Try using white chocolate chips, or swap out cranberries for chopped dried apricots. And remember, if you want an extra festive touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top right before baking for that sweet and salty combo we all love. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Cookie Bars
When it comes to enjoying these delicious Christmas cookie bars, you might be curious about what’s in them, right? Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per bar, but keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
These cookie bars are a tasty treat, and while they’re a bit indulgent, they’re perfect for celebrating the holiday season with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Christmas Cookie Bars
As you gear up to make these delightful Christmas cookie bars, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up while baking these festive treats.
Can I use different mix-ins?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these Christmas cookie bars is their versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins, like walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of toffee bits for an extra sweet crunch. The possibilities are endless!
How do I store the bars?
To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to maintain that chewy texture, placing a slice of bread in the container can help absorb moisture and keep them soft!
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these delicious bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- One-bowl recipe means less mess and more time to enjoy with family.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, so everyone can have their perfect bar.
- Deliciously chewy and gooey, these bars are a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
- Great for gift-giving, as they cut easily and transport well.
- They bring the warmth and joy of traditional cookies in a fun, modern twist!
Christmas Cookie Bars: 5 Sweet Reasons to Bake Now
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 bars 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious Christmas cookie bars that are easy to make and perfect for the holiday season.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, nuts, and cranberries if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Uwagi
- Store in an airtight container.
- These bars freeze well for later use.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bar
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas cookie bars
