Description
Festive christmas cookie bars deliver pure holiday magic with layers of buttery sweetness and nostalgic charm. Rich chocolate chips and sprinkled powdered sugar create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Festive Mix-Ins:
- 1/2 cup red and green holiday sprinkles
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie bars.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps remain for a consistent texture.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
- Gently fold in white chocolate chips, holiday sprinkles, and crushed candy canes, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for a festive appearance and burst of flavor.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula to create an uniform surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with minimal crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang.
- Slice into squares and serve, revealing the colorful and festive interior of these delightful Christmas cookie bars.
Notes
- Swap out white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate to customize the flavor profile and suit different taste preferences.
- Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version suitable for health-conscious bakers.
- Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make the recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same tender texture and delicious taste.
- Add a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top after baking for an extra festive and decorative touch that enhances visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg