Introduction to Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
Why Easy Christmas Cookie Bars are a Holiday Favorite
When the holiday season rolls around, warm kitchens filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goodies are a must. That’s where easy Christmas cookie bars come in, ready to make your festive gatherings even more delightful. These bars are not only simple to whip up but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with your favorite mix-ins—from chocolate chips to holiday-themed sprinkles.
Why choose cookie bars? For starters, they take much less time than traditional cookies. No need to scoop and bake in batches; simply pour the batter in a pan, bake, and slice! Plus, they yield a lovely combination of chewy and crispy textures in every bite. According to a recent survey from the American Bakers Association, over 60% of people prefer bars over cookies for their ease and unique presentation.
Whether you're planning a holiday party or just looking for a cozy weekend baking activity, these easy Christmas cookie bars are guaranteed to bring joy and deliciousness to your table. So, let’s get started and make this festive season a little sweeter together!
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up your easy Christmas cookie bars, gather these essential ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks) - Melt this for that delightful texture.
- ¾ cup light brown sugar - This adds a lovely caramel flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar - Balanced sweetness is key!
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk - This duo ensures richness in your bars.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - A must for a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda & ¼ teaspoon baking powder - Helps your bars rise perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt - Just a touch to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour - The foundation of your cookie bar dough (you can adjust this based on the dough's consistency).
Optional Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor
Feeling adventurous? Customize your easy Christmas cookie bars with some fun mix-ins. Choose a total of 2 cups from the following:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup red & green M&M's for that festive touch
- ½ cup pretzels, roughly broken
- ½ cup chewy caramels, chopped into bits
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles for a pop of color
Mix and match to create your perfect holiday treat! You can even check out more ideas on family-friendly recipes at AllRecipes or Taste of Home for inspiration. Happy baking!
Preparing Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
Making easy Christmas cookie bars is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these tasty treats in no time. Let's dive into the preparation of your new holiday favorite!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need for this recipe. Gather the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (consider having an extra ¼ cup on hand if needed)
For the mix-ins, select a combination to make your bars truly special. We suggest:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup red & green M&M's
- ½ cup broken pretzels
- ½ cup chopped chewy caramels
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Melting the Butter
The first crucial step is melting the unsalted butter. Place it in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl and heat it for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring it just melts—be careful not to overheat! Hot butter can lead to greasy bars or potentially cook your eggs. If it starts steaming, let it cool for a few minutes.
Mixing the Sugars and Eggs
Once the butter is ready, add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Use a spatula to mix them until fully combined—don’t reach for the mixer! Then, add in the whole egg, the extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is where the magic begins!
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring in the dry ingredients. Sprinkle in the baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix them into the bowl for an even distribution. Next, add the all-purpose flour. It’s important to mix until all the flour disappears, creating a dough that’s irresistible.
Adding the Mix-Ins
Here comes the fun part—adding your unique mix-ins! This step allows you to personalize your easy Christmas cookie bars. Add in your choice of chocolate chips, pretzels, caramels, and sprinkles, stirring until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Baking Your Cookie Bars
Prepare a greased or parchment-lined 9x13" pan and press your dough into it, smoothing the top. If you want to make it extra festive, press a few more mix-ins on top for fun. Bake at 350°F for 16-18 minutes, but keep an eye on them towards the end! You’re looking for golden brown edges and a center that’s not wet. Once done, let them cool completely before slicing into squares.
To store your delicious Christmas cookie bars, keep them covered with saran wrap or in an airtight container for up to three days—if they last that long!
These bars are a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or make a perfect cozy treat at home. Happy baking!
Variations on Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
Festive Cookie Bar Ideas
Get creative with your easy Christmas cookie bars! Swap out the mix-ins based on what you have on hand or the festive flavors you enjoy. Think about adding:
- Crushed peppermint: Perfect for a minty kick.
- Dried cranberries: For a tart contrast.
- White chocolate chunks: For a sweet, creamy texture.
Feel free to experiment! You can also decorate the top with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of holiday nuts for an extra touch.
Allergy-Friendly Options
It’s crucial to make these easy Christmas cookie bars accessible for everyone. Here are some allergy-friendly substitutions:
- Gluten-free flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-free butter: Coconuts or plant-based butters are great swaps.
- Vegan options: To make them entirely dairy and egg-free, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce.
These adjustments will help ensure everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of your festive baking! If you're looking for more tips, check out resources like The Allergy Free Cookbook for additional ideas on crafting tasty treats.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars Every Time
Achieve the ultimate easy Christmas cookie bars by ensuring your butter is just melted—too hot may ruin the texture! For an even bake, press the dough smoothly into the pan, and don’t skip using parchment paper for easier removal. If your mix-ins start to fall to the bottom, consider folding them in gently with a spatula before baking.
Storing and Freezing Your Cookie Bars
To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them! Just allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for 1-2 months. Check out these freezing tips for more details!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
Creative Ways to Present Your Cookie Bars
When it comes to showcasing your easy Christmas cookie bars, presentation makes all the difference. Try cutting them into festive shapes using cookie cutters or stacking the bars in a tiered dessert stand for a whimsical display. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or drizzle with chocolate to elevate their holiday spirit! Using decorative parchment paper or fun holiday plates can also add charm to your setup, making them perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday table.
Pairing Ideas for Enjoyment
These bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them enhances the experience. Consider serving easy Christmas cookie bars alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday tea—peppermint or gingerbread flavors work wonderfully! For a playful twist, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with vibrant sprinkles for a delightful dessert surprise. Invite friends over for a cozy holiday gathering and set up a cookie bar station with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and fresh berries for customization fun!
For more festive ideas, check out this guide on holiday desserts!
Time Breakdown for Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like whipping up a batch of easy Christmas cookie bars. Here’s a quick guide to help you manage your time effectively so you can enjoy the process!
Preparation Time
Get everything ready in about 15 minutes. This includes gathering all your ingredients, melting the butter, and mixing everything together.
Baking Time
Pop those delectable bars into the oven for 16-20 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center shouldn’t look wet.
Total Time
From prep to cooling, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes. With a little patience as they cool, you’ll have delicious treats ready to share in no time!
Want to get these baking into your holiday tradition? Check out our full recipe for Easy The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars here!
Nutritional Facts for Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
Calories per Serving
Indulging in these easy Christmas cookie bars doesn't have to come with guilt! Each serving contains approximately 414 calories. This amount makes them a delightful treat without overloading on calories—perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Understanding the macronutrient profile of these delicious bars can help you enjoy them even more. Here's how they stack up per serving:
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g (with saturated fat at 11g)
With this balance, you get a satisfying cookie bar ideal for a holiday snack. For more information on healthy snacks, check out Healthline's guidelines on nutritious desserts.
These easy Christmas cookie bars not only bring joy to your taste buds but also provide a thoughtful approach to holiday baking!
FAQ about Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
Can I make these cookie bars in advance?
Absolutely! These easy Christmas cookie bars are perfect for prep-ahead baking. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Alternatively, bake the bars and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed for up to three days or frozen for longer storage!
What are the best mix-ins to use?
Feel free to get creative! While the recipe suggests semi-sweet chocolate chips, red & green M&M's, pretzels, chewy caramels, and holiday sprinkles, you can customize based on your preferences. Consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or even white chocolate for a fun twist. Check out this article on mix-ins for more ideas.
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your Christmas cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just slice them into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container. They'll last for 1-2 months in the freezer. Enjoy your festive treats!
Conclusion on Easy Christmas Cookie Bars
These easy Christmas cookie bars are the perfect festive treat to bring joy to your holiday gatherings. With a delicious mix of flavors and textures, they are simple to make and even more delightful to eat. Don’t forget to share them with loved ones—they're sure to be a hit! Enjoy!
Easy Christmas Cookie Bars: The Best Festive Treat You’ll Love
Equipment
- 9x13 inch metal baking pan
- microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter 1 ½ sticks, melted
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 extra egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour can add an extra ¼ cup if dough is too runny
Mix-Ins
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup red & green m&m's
- ½ cup pretzels broken
- ½ cup chewy caramels chopped, use Kraft or Werther's Soft
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles use 'jimmies'
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Chop caramels into smaller pieces (for Kraft caramels, cut each into 8 smaller pieces).
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt unsalted butter for 20-30 seconds until JUST melted.
- Add in light brown sugar and granulated sugar, stir until combined.
- Add in egg and extra egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Stir in baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add in all-purpose flour and mix until all the flour disappears into the dough.
- Add mix-ins of choice: semi-sweet chocolate chips, red & green m&m's, pretzel pieces, caramel pieces, and sprinkles.
- Press dough into a greased or parchment-lined metal 9x13" pan until smooth.
- Bake at 350°F for 16-18 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before removing from the pan, then slice.
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