Ah, the magic of baking during the holidays! There’s something so special about filling the house with the warm, sweet aromas of freshly baked treats, and these *christmas bars and squares* are a true highlight. I remember my grandma whipping up a batch every year, her laughter echoing through the kitchen as we all gathered around, eagerly waiting for the first bite. The blend of chocolate chips, tangy cranberries, and crunchy nuts creates a festive flavor explosion that’s absolutely irresistible! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a cherished part of your own holiday traditions too!
Ingredients for Christmas Bars and Squares
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating the most delightful *christmas bars and squares*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice!)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Make sure to use unsalted butter for that perfect balance of sweetness, and don’t forget to pack your brown sugar for that extra richness! Feel free to mix up the nuts and fruits according to your preference—this recipe is all about making it your own!
How to Prepare Christmas Bars and Squares
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious *christmas bars and squares*! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive treat that everyone will love.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy and delicious!
Prepare the Baking Dish
While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with some butter or non-stick spray. This step is vital because it makes it super easy to remove the bars once they’re baked—nobody wants to deal with sticky edges!
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. You want that light, airy texture before adding the eggs—it makes such a difference in the final product!
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Next, add in the 4 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated. Now, gently stir in the 2 cups of all-purpose flour until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage—just a few strokes to bring it together is perfect! Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries.
Bake and Cool
Spread your batter evenly in the prepared dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is key—you want to let them set a bit before cutting into those beautiful squares!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously festive flavors that blend chocolate, cranberries, and nuts for a delightful treat.
- Versatile recipe—feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
- Great for sharing at holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
- Bakes up beautifully in large batches, making it easy to satisfy a crowd.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make together—let them help mix and add their favorite ingredients!
- Deliciously chewy texture that’s hard to resist, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *christmas bars and squares* turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of nuts, try using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a delicious crunch. You can also swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dates to change up the flavor profile!
- Check Your Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. If they look golden and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready to go, even if it’s a little before the 30-minute mark.
- Chill the Dough: For an extra chewy texture, you can chill the batter for 30 minutes before spreading it in the baking dish. It helps the flavors meld and gives you a nice, fudgy center!
- Don’t Overmix: Remember, overmixing can lead to dense bars. Just mix until everything is combined and your bars will be light and lovely!
- Cool Completely: Be patient and let your bars cool completely before slicing. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Experiment with Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips or nuts on top for a delightful finish! You can even drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a little extra flair.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with these festive treats. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
These *christmas bars and squares* aren’t just delicious; they’re also packed with a balance of flavors and nutrients! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per square, but keep in mind, this is an estimate based on the ingredients used:
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
These values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy these bars as a festive treat while savoring the joy of the season!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the best *christmas bars and squares*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and their answers to help you out:
Can I use different fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to swap out the dried cranberries for raisins, cherries, or even chopped apricots. As for nuts, walnuts, pecans, or even almonds would work wonderfully. Just make sure to keep the amount the same!
How should I store these bars?
To keep your *christmas bars and squares* fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just double-check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free, especially the chocolate chips.
What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your bars turn out crumbly, it could be due to overbaking or not enough moisture. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and for extra moistness, you can add a tablespoon of milk or an extra egg next time to help bind them together.
Can I add extra chocolate chips?
Of course! If you’re a chocolate lover like me, go ahead and add more chocolate chips! Just remember that it might slightly alter the texture, making them even more gooey and delicious. Yum!
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The toothpick test is your best friend here! Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, they’re good to go. If it’s wet with batter, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
With these FAQs answered, you’re all set to bake up a storm this holiday season. Enjoy every bite of your delightful *christmas bars and squares*! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked these delicious *christmas bars and squares*, it’s important to store them properly so you can enjoy them later! To keep your bars fresh, let them cool completely before storing. This is key to avoiding any sogginess or unwanted moisture.
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Just make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them—this helps prevent sticking and keeps them nice and neat!
If you want to keep them for a longer period, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. They can be frozen for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours—or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat. Just be careful not to overheat, or you’ll lose that lovely chewy texture!
With these storage tips, your *christmas bars and squares* will be ready and waiting for you whenever the craving strikes. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these delightful *christmas bars and squares*, the possibilities are endless! Here are some of my favorite ideas to elevate your holiday gatherings:
- Festive Platter: Arrange your bars on a beautiful serving platter, alongside an assortment of other holiday treats like cookies and fudge. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
- Pair with Hot Drinks: These bars are perfect with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced apple cider. The rich flavors of the bars complement the cozy drinks beautifully!
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, top a warm square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The melting ice cream creates a heavenly combination!
- Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh berries or slices of citrus fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars. It brightens up the presentation and adds a pop of color!
- Wrap for Gifting: If you’re looking to share the love, cut the bars into squares, wrap them in festive cellophane or parchment paper, and tie them with a pretty ribbon. It makes for a delightful homemade gift!
- Holiday Breakfast Treat: Slice them into smaller pieces and serve them alongside coffee or tea for a sweet breakfast treat. They’re a fun twist on traditional morning pastries!
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will make your *christmas bars and squares* a standout treat. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family!
Drucken
Christmas Bars and Squares: 7 Irresistible Holiday Treats
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 squares 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious Christmas bars and squares perfect for holiday gatherings.
Zutaten
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugars until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Stir in flour until just combined.
- Add chocolate chips, nuts, and cranberries.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Adjust nuts and fruits according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 square
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 100mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: christmas bars, holiday squares, festive treats
