Name: Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup red and green holiday sprinkles; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup crushed candy canes; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp baking powder

Sweet memories of childhood holidays dance through my christmas cookie bars, reminding me of cozy kitchen moments with grandmother.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and butter swirl around classic family traditions.

Childhood whispers emerge from each carefully crafted square, connecting generations through simple ingredients.

Nostalgic flavors blend seamlessly in this delightful treat that promises comfort and joy.

Layers of soft, chewy goodness create a perfect balance between crisp edges and tender centers.

Baking these bars becomes more than a recipe, it’s a celebration of love shared through delectable moments.

Come create magic with just a few pantry staples and watch smiles bloom.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

How do I know when the butter and sugar are properly creamed?

The mixture should look light, fluffy, and almost white in color, with a smooth and creamy texture that takes about 3-4 minutes of mixing.

What if I don't have candy canes for the recipe?

You can substitute crushed candy canes with peppermint chips, additional white chocolate chips, or festive holiday sprinkles to maintain the seasonal theme.

How do I prevent the cookie bars from becoming dry?

Mix the ingredients just until combined, avoid overmixing the batter, and carefully monitor baking time to ensure they remain moist and tender.

Craft Holiday Cheer: Create a festive dessert that brings instant joy and holiday spirit to any gathering with colorful sprinkles and candy cane pieces.
Master Simple Baking: Achieve professional-looking results with minimal baking skills, perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to impress family and friends.
Customize Your Celebration: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping sprinkles or chocolate chips to match different holiday themes or personal preferences, making it a versatile treat.
Quick Party Pleaser: Prepare a crowd-winning dessert that requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum deliciousness, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations.

For the Base:

Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth and tender texture to the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy consistency in the bars.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich, soft structure of the dessert.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aromatic profile.

For the Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the main structure of the cookie bars, providing a tender and soft base.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and creates a light, airy texture.

For the Mix-Ins and Decorations:

White Chocolate Chips, Holiday Sprinkles, Crushed Candy Canes: Add festive color, crunch, and a burst of holiday flavor to the cookie bars, creating a visually appealing and delicious treat.

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang slightly over sides for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth, creating a perfect foundation for delicious cookie bars.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to boost the flavor and create a rich, aromatic mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder, ensuring no clumps remain for a silky-smooth texture.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Carefully fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and soft.

Step 6: Add Festive Mix-Ins

Gently fold in these delightful ingredients:

White chocolate chips
Holiday sprinkles
Crushed candy canes

Distribute evenly throughout the dough for a spectacular holiday look and taste.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create a perfectly level surface.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few crumbs.

Step 9: Cool And Set

Remove from oven and let bars cool completely in the pan. Use parchment paper edges to lift out the entire batch.

Step 10: Slice And Serve

Cut into squares, revealing the colorful and festive interior of these mouthwatering Christmas cookie bars. Enjoy the holiday cheer!

Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the cookie bars tender and soft.
Check Doneness Carefully: Test with a toothpick around 25 minutes, looking for minimal crumbs and golden edges to avoid overbaking.
Store with Smart Strategy: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness.
Customize Sprinkle Power: Experiment with different holiday or seasonal sprinkles to match the occasion or personal color preferences.
Elevate Flavor Profile: Swap white chocolate chips with peppermint chips or dark chocolate for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender texture while making the recipe safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Festive Squares: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of traditional eggs, and select dairy-free white chocolate chips to create a plant-based version of the classic treat.
Nutty Peppermint Variation: Add chopped almonds or pecans alongside the candy canes for extra crunch and depth, introducing a complementary texture and rich flavor profile.
Low-Sugar Christmas Bars: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the festive spirit of the original recipe.

Pair with Creamy Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich, velvety hot chocolate that complements the sweet white chocolate and peppermint flavors, creating a cozy winter treat that warms the soul.
Serve with Vanilla Bean Latte: Enhance the dessert's sweetness with a smooth vanilla bean latte, whose creamy texture and subtle vanilla notes perfectly balance the cookie bars' festive crunch.
Match with Peppermint Mocha: Amplify the candy cane essence with a decadent peppermint mocha, whose chocolate and mint combination echoes the cookie bars' delightful holiday spirit.
Enjoy with Sparkling Champagne: Add a touch of elegance by pairing the cookie bars with a crisp, bubbly champagne that cuts through the richness and provides a sophisticated contrast.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent sprinkles from bleeding color.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Keep sealed in container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
Warm individual bar for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft, chewy consistency.

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

Healthy recipe development
Plant-based cooking
Nutritional analysis
Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique

Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.