Christmas Cookie Bars
Christmas cookie bars are a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of the season without the fuss of rolling, cutting, or shaping individual cookies.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Wire Cooling Rack
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk chocolate
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional—walnuts or pecans work great
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or holiday sprinkles
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for drizzling
- Extra holiday sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting.
- Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or nonstick spray.
- Pro Tip: Lining the pan with parchment makes it super easy to lift the bars out without breaking them.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pro Tip: Whisk continuously when adding eggs to avoid curdling and to keep the batter silky smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make sure there are no clumps—it ensures a smooth, even cookie bar texture.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Stir in chocolate chips, nuts (if using), and crushed peppermint or sprinkles.
- Pro Tip: Fold in mix-ins gently to keep the batter light and the bars soft.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes.
- Pro Tip: The bars continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking—they should be slightly soft in the center.
Step 6: Add Optional Toppings
- Once slightly cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Sprinkle extra holiday sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
- Let the topping set before slicing.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan.
- Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
- Serve on a festive plate or package in holiday boxes to gift!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 260–280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Sugar: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g