Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the smell of freshly baked cookies fills the air, and laughter dances around the kitchen. I absolutely love making *Christmas cookie bars* because they’re not just delicious; they’re a fun twist on traditional cookies! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. My cousin, with a twinkle in her eye, said they tasted like Christmas wrapped in a chocolatey hug! Trust me, once you’ve tasted these festive treats, you’ll want to whip them up every year. They’re simple, sweet, and perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (this gives the bars that lovely, chewy texture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for a bit of sweetness and crunch)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature helps them blend better)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the pure stuff is always best for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (this helps the bars rise perfectly)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (a pinch enhances all those sweet flavors)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I love semi-sweet, but use your favorite!)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for that festive touch and a bit of crunch)
How to Prepare *Christmas Cookie Bars*
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly. A hot oven will help them rise beautifully and give that lovely golden color we all crave. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than undercooked bars!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Now, let’s get to the fun part—creaming the butter and sugars together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You want to see a pale, creamy texture here—this is key for that melt-in-your-mouth consistency!
Mixing in the Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, it’s time to add in those eggs and the lovely vanilla extract. Crack the eggs into the bowl, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making it lighter. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and give it another good mix until everything is well combined. The aroma is just heavenly!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is super important for a perfect rise. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix here; a few small flour pockets are totally fine!
Folding in Add-ins
Now, let’s fold in the star players: the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Gently stir them into the batter using a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This part is like a festive confetti celebration—those candy canes will add a delightful crunch!
Baking and Cooling
Spread the batter evenly into a greased baking pan and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can do the toothpick test—insert one into the center, and it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period is essential; it allows the flavors to meld and makes cutting them into bars much easier!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas cookie bars* turn out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, keep an eye on the baking time—ovens can vary, so start checking around the 25-minute mark. It’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling. Also, make sure you’re using a light-colored baking pan; dark pans can cause the edges to brown too quickly. Lastly, let them cool completely before cutting. This helps maintain their shape and makes for cleaner, prettier bars. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in these delightful *Christmas cookie bars*, it’s nice to have a little idea of what you’re enjoying. Here’s a typical breakdown per bar (this is just an estimate, so keep that in mind!):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
These bars are a sweet treat, so enjoy them in moderation! They’re great for sharing during the holidays, making them the perfect festive indulgence. Happy baking and happy munching!
FAQ Section
Can I store these cookie bars, and how long do they last?
Absolutely! Store your *Christmas cookie bars* in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose a bit of their softness.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruit like cranberries for a festive twist. The possibilities are endless!
What if I don’t have crushed candy canes?
No worries! You can skip them entirely or replace them with chopped nuts or sprinkles for a different flavor and crunch. Just make sure to keep that festive spirit alive!
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. It works like a charm and still gives you that delicious texture!
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Once they’re completely cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for cleaner edges.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: These *Christmas cookie bars* come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday baking sessions.
- Festive Flavors: With chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, every bite is a delightful mix of sweet and minty goodness that screams holiday cheer!
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into bars and they’re ready to share at parties, potlucks, or cozy gatherings with family and friends.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the add-ins or toppings to suit your taste, making each batch a little different and exciting.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well, so you can bake them in advance and have a delicious treat ready for unexpected guests or holiday festivities.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and they’ll have a blast mixing in the colorful candy canes and chocolate chips!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas cookie bars* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week—perfect for snacking throughout the holiday season! If you want to keep them even longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator, but be aware they might lose a bit of that lovely softness.
If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens!), you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up just enough to make them gooey and delightful again. Enjoy the festive flavors all over again!
Drucken
Christmas Cookie Bars: 7 Joyful Twists for Your Holidays
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 bars 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious Christmas cookie bars perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, add colored sprinkles on top before baking.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 bar
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: christmas cookie bars, holiday dessert, festive treats
