Ah, the holiday season! It’s my favorite time of the year, filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, delicious treats. One of my absolute go-to recipes for festive gatherings is my beloved Christmas bars. These little squares of heaven are not only super tasty but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them the perfect addition to any holiday spread. Just imagine the smell of warm butter and brown sugar wafting through your kitchen as they bake—pure bliss! Plus, they’re so versatile; you can mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make them uniquely yours. Trust me, once you try these Christmas bars, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
- 1 cup dried cranberries for a festive touch
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures your Christmas bars bake perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good greasing. You can use butter or cooking spray—whatever you have on hand works! Make sure to coat the entire bottom and sides so these bars won’t stick later. Trust me, no one wants to deal with a stuck bar when it’s time to serve!
Mixing Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Once that’s done, add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. This helps to incorporate everything seamlessly. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bars to be tender, not tough! Finally, fold in those delightful chocolate chips, nuts, and dried cranberries. The colorful mix is so festive!
Baking the Christmas Bars
Now it’s time to bake! Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, making sure it’s nice and level. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. The smell that fills your kitchen will be heavenly! To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready to come out. Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This step is important because cutting them too soon could make them crumbly. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Rich, buttery flavor with festive touches from cranberries and nuts.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Customizable—swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make it your own!
- Quick to bake and even quicker to disappear from the dessert table.
- Deliciously chewy texture that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Tips for Success
To really nail these Christmas bars, here are my top tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps it cream smoothly with the sugar, creating that lovely light texture. Also, don’t skip the step of whisking the dry ingredients separately—it ensures even distribution of the baking powder, which is key for a nice rise. When you fold in the chocolate chips and cranberries, do it gently to keep the batter fluffy. And remember, every oven is different! Start checking your bars a few minutes before the 25-minute mark; you want them to be just set, not overbaked. Lastly, let them cool completely in the pan before slicing—this helps them hold their shape. With these tips, your Christmas bars will turn out perfectly every time!
Variations
One of the best things about these Christmas bars is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. For a nutty twist, try using macadamia nuts or pistachios instead of walnuts or pecans. If you’re not a fan of cranberries, go ahead and substitute with dried cherries or apricots for a different fruity flavor. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some shredded coconut or even a handful of toffee bits for extra sweetness! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make these bars uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delightful Christmas bars, the possibilities are endless! They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa or a spiced chai tea, creating a cozy holiday vibe. You could also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Enjoy sharing these treats with loved ones!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas bars fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. No need for reheating—these bars are delightful served at room temperature! If you do prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that cozy, freshly baked feel. Enjoy every bite, even days later!
Nutritional Information
Each delicious Christmas bar is estimated to have around 200 calories, making them a sweet treat worth savoring. Here’s a breakdown: 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates, including 15g of sugar and 2g of fiber. Please note that these values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. So, while you indulge in these festive bars, remember they’re a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I make these Christmas bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They often taste even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together!
What can I use instead of chocolate chips? If you’re looking for alternatives, white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips work wonderfully! You could even use chunks of your favorite chocolate bar—get creative!
How do I know when the bars are done baking? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them; you want them to stay chewy and delicious!
Can I substitute the nuts? Definitely! You can leave out the nuts altogether if you prefer, or swap them for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Just make sure to adjust your mix-ins according to your taste!
What’s the best way to cut them? Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and for cleaner cuts, you can run the knife under hot water before slicing. This will help you get those nice, clean edges!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Bars: 7 Irresistibly Delicious Festive Treats
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 bars 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious Christmas bars perfect for holiday gatherings.
Składniki
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, and cranberries.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Uwagi
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or dried fruits as per preference.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bar
- Kalorie: 200
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 100mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 25g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas bars, holiday dessert, festive treats
