Baking Christmas cookie bars has been a cherished tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. There’s just something so cozy and nostalgic about the rich, buttery flavors and the way the house fills with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked Christmas treats. Growing up, I can recall countless holiday seasons spent in the kitchen with my grandma, carefully measuring ingredients and rolling out dough, our aprons dusted with flour as we laughed and chatted the afternoon away.
Those Christmas cookie bar-baking sessions hold a special place in my heart – the way the sugar cookies would crackle under the weight of the festive sprinkles, the gooey chocolate chips melting into pockets of sweetness, the satisfying crunch of the pecan topping. It was pure magic, and I couldn’t wait to share those delectable Christmas Cookie Bars with family and friends. Even now, as an adult, that familiar ritual of baking Christmas Cookie Bars instantly transports me back to those cherished childhood memories.
Why This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars
What makes this Christmas Cookie Bars recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base is the foundation, while the addition of rich chocolate chips, crunchy pecans, and a dusting of powdered sugar creates a symphony of taste and texture in every bite. But the real secret is in the method – the way the dough is pressed into the pan to create an evenly distributed, fudgy-yet-firm consistency. It’s a technique I’ve perfected over the years, and it’s what sets these Christmas Cookie Bars apart from the rest.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter – The key to the rich, indulgent flavor of these Christmas Cookie Bars is high-quality, unsalted butter. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy incorporation.
- Sugar – A combination of granulated and brown sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness and chewiness to the cookie base.
- Eggs – Eggs help bind the dough together and create a soft, tender texture.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Flour – All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookie bars.
- Baking Powder – A small amount of baking powder helps the bars rise and achieve the perfect crumb.
- Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but you can also experiment with different varieties like milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Pecans – Toasted, chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar at the end gives the Christmas Cookie Bars a festive, snowy appearance.
Step-by-Step Christmas Cookie Bars Instructions
Preparing Your Christmas Cookie Bars
This Christmas Cookie Bars recipe is incredibly straightforward, with a total active time of just 30 minutes. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking pan, a large mixing bowl, and a hand mixer or stand mixer to bring these festive treats together. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5- Press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an even, compacted layer.
6- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Allow the Christmas Cookie Bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and dusting with powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for Success
For the chewiest, most irresistible Christmas Cookie Bars, be sure not to overbake them. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time, and pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
Another trick is to let the bars cool completely before cutting – this helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling. And don’t be afraid to get a little creative with the mix-ins! Try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or experiment with different types of chocolate chips.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Cookie Bars
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Cookie Bars
These Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect accompaniment to a warm mug of hot chocolate or a festive glass of eggnog. They also make a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter, complementing classic sugar cookies, gingerbread, and peppermint-flavored treats.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once the Christmas Cookie Bars have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can also make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes for an easy, stress-free holiday baking session when time is of the essence.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Christmas Cookie Bars
Creative Christmas Cookie Bars Variations
While the classic chocolate chip and pecan combination is hard to beat, you can easily switch things up with these Christmas Cookie Bars. Try adding a layer of raspberry jam or orange marmalade for a bright, fruity twist. Or sprinkle in crushed peppermint candies or a swirl of cream cheese frosting for a festive flair.
Making Christmas Cookie Bars Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a commercial egg replacer. And for a lower-carb take, you can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the granulated sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: While you can use salted butter, I’d recommend sticking with unsalted to have better control over the overall salt content. Salted butter can make the Christmas Cookie Bars taste a bit unbalanced.
Q: How long do these bars need to cool before cutting?
A: It’s important to let the Christmas Cookie Bars cool completely, which usually takes around 1-2 hours. This allows the bars to set up and hold their shape when you cut them.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These Christmas Cookie Bars actually taste even better the next day. You can bake them up to 5 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This 9×13-inch pan of Christmas Cookie Bars will yield approximately 24 servings, depending on how you cut them. They’re rich and indulgent, so a small square is usually plenty.
Q: My bars came out a little dry. What could I have done differently?
A: If your Christmas Cookie Bars turned out too dry, you may have overbaked them. Make sure to keep a close eye on them in the oven and pull them out as soon as the edges start to turn golden brown. You can also try adding an extra egg or tablespoon of butter to the dough.
Delightful Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these Homemade Christmas Cookie Bars! With layers of shortbread, chocolate, and festive holiday sprinkles, this easy 12-step recipe creates the ultimate festive treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup holiday-themed sprinkles
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. – In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. – Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. – Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. – Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
9. – Allow the bars to cool completely, then sprinkle with the holiday-themed sprinkles.
10. – Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, you can use red and green sprinkles. These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Christmas Cookie Bars are quite simply the ultimate holiday treat – a perfect blend of buttery, chewy, and crisp, with pockets of melty chocolate and crunchy pecans in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a festive party, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them with a cozy mug of hot cocoa, I just know these Christmas Cookie Bars are going to become a new seasonal staple in your household. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of holiday magic. Let me know in the comments how your Christmas Cookie Bars turn out!
