Introduction

These delicious Christmas cookie bars are perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations. Soft, chocolaty, and easy to make, they combine the best flavors of classic cookies in a convenient bar form. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare and share!

Delicious Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe for Festive Treats! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips
Holiday sprinkles or nuts (optional)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time until well incorporated.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like nuts or holiday sprinkles.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.
Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, skip the nuts or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. Adding holiday sprinkles can make these bars extra festive.
Try swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
To make these vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free butter.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy, warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer, such as dark, milk, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a unique twist.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures the bars remain soft and chewy.

Delicious Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe for Festive Treats! Recipe

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4.6 from 112 reviews

These Delicious Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive and easy-to-make treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Soft, buttery, and packed with chocolate chips and optional holiday sprinkles or nuts, they bring a joyful flavor to your dessert table. This recipe yields tender bars with a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of crunch from add-ins, baked to golden perfection in a convenient 9×13-inch pan.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

Add-ins

1 cup chocolate chips
Holiday sprinkles or nuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process takes about 3-4 minutes and helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the bars.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie bars tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
Fold in Add-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional holiday sprinkles or nuts to add festive flavor and texture to the bars.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture smoothly for even baking.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This lets them set properly for easier slicing.
Slice and Serve: Transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy your festive Christmas treat!

Notes

For an egg-free version, substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture by combining 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons water; let it thicken before adding.
Using parchment paper makes removing the bars from the pan easier and cleaner.
Customize your bars by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or festive sprinkles to increase visual appeal and texture.
Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, festive dessert, easy holiday treats