If you’re searching for a festive treat that brings the warmth and cheer of the season into every bite, look no further than this delightful Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are a perfect combination of rich buttery dough, melty chocolate chips, and pops of colorful holiday sprinkles that make them as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends, or simply craving a sweet holiday pick-me-up, these Christmas Cookie Bars will quickly become your go-to festive favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for these Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is simpler than you might think, yet each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From tender butter to vibrant sprinkles, every ingredient brings something special to the mix.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, smooth base that keeps the bars moist and tender.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and helps maintain chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in slightly crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder and contributes to structure and softness.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warm, inviting flavor that makes the bars irresistible.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives a light rise to prevent the bars from being too dense.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet): Melts beautifully to create gooey, chocolatey pockets throughout.
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles: Brings festive color and a little crunch to celebrate the holidays.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing): Base for a creamy, smooth frosting to top the bars.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing without gritty texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing): Adds subtle warmth to the frosting flavor.
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for icing): Adjusts the icing consistency for spreading.
- Extra sprinkles for topping: Final festive touch that makes these bars standout.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, ensuring your bars won’t be dense. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract to blend everything seamlessly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients help give the cookie bars their shape and texture, while the baking powder provides a slight lift so your bars stay tender and soft, not heavy or flat.
Step 3: Combine and Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Then fold in the chocolate chips and red and green sprinkles, which add delightful bursts of sweetness and vibrant holiday color throughout every bar.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Baking until just done keeps these bars soft and chewy, exactly how you want them.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the bars cool, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency. This icing adds a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery cookie base.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Once the bars are cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly across the top and decorate with extra red and green sprinkles. This finishing touch not only enhances the festive look but also adds a slight crunch and playful texture to each bite.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the seasonal vibe, consider sprinkling a pinch of crushed peppermint candy or adding a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top. These little touches make the bars look and taste even more special without overpowering their classic flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate. The creamy drinks balance the sweetness of the bars and make for a cozy treat on chilly winter days.
Creative Ways to Present
Think about layering the bars on a festive platter lined with pine branches or placing them in mini holiday-themed boxes for delightful gifts. Wrapping individual bars in transparent cellophane tied with ribbon can also make for charming party favors or stocking stuffers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This method preserves their softness and flavor, making them perfect for snacking even days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw completely before frosting to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, gently heat a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt slightly, creating that fresh-from-the-oven feeling with minimal effort.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of chips?
Absolutely! Chopped chocolate chunks, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips can be fun alternatives that change up the flavor but still keep the texture delightful.
Is it necessary to use sprinkles in the recipe?
While sprinkles add festive color and crunch, you can leave them out or substitute with chopped nuts or dried cranberries if you prefer a different twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup usually works well. Just be sure your baking powder and sprinkles are gluten-free too.
How thick should I spread the dough in the pan?
Spread the dough evenly to about one inch thickness to ensure the bars bake through properly without becoming too thin or thick.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking pan or split the batter between two pans, adjusting the baking time slightly by checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe because it brings together festive cheer, indulgent flavors, and simple prep in one irresistible bundle. These bars carry the spirit of the holidays in every bite, and once you taste them, they might just become a tradition in your kitchen too. Happy baking and even happier indulging!
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Cookie Bars, featuring a buttery, soft cookie base studded with chocolate chips and colorful red and green sprinkles, topped with a smooth vanilla frosting and extra holiday sprinkles for a delightful treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to reach desired consistency)
- Extra sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Form cookie dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined but not overworked. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles evenly throughout the dough.
- Spread dough in pan: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw dough.
- Prepare frosting: While the bars bake, cream together 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup powdered sugar, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk a little at a time until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Cool and frost: Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the top.
- Add final touches: Sprinkle extra red and green holiday sprinkles on top of the frosting for a festive finish. Cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but milk chocolate works well too.
- Ensure the bars are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store iced bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- You can substitute sprinkles with chopped nuts or cranberries for a different festive twist.
- Adjust the milk quantity in frosting step by step to get the desired spreadability without making it too runny.
