Festive Christmas Cookie Bars

These Christmas cookie bars are my favorite way to bring a festive touch to holiday gatherings without the fuss of rolling out dough or managing multiple batches of cookies. They come together quickly and offer all the warm, sweet flavors you want in a Christmas treat. I often make a pan for a family potluck, and they disappear faster than I expect.

I once made these last minute for a friend's office party, and they kept asking for the recipe afterward.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: softened for a creamy texture and balanced richness using a good quality butter makes a difference
• Granulated and brown sugars: combine for sweetness and a bit of chewiness packed brown sugar adds moisture
• Large eggs: for structure and binding fresh eggs lend the best rise
• Vanilla extract: enhances all flavors so choose pure vanilla for best aroma
• All-purpose flour: is the base sift it to avoid lumps and ensure tender bars
• Baking powder and baking soda: for leavening and texture fresh leavening agents ensure the bars rise properly
• Salt: balances the sweetness kosher or sea salt brings depth
• Chocolate chips: add classic melty pockets of chocolate semi-sweet works well but feel free to experiment with dark or milk
• Chopped nuts: optional for crunch and warmth toasted walnuts or pecans offer great flavor contrast
• Festive sprinkles: for that holiday cheer pick vibrant colors or shapes to match the occasion

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure an even bake. Line a 9 by 13 inch pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars out once cooled. This prevents sticking and keeps edges neat.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt carefully to distribute the leavening evenly. This ensures your bars rise uniformly and have a lovely crumb.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air which helps create lighter, tender bars. Scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed for even mixing.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each to fully incorporate. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix just until combined. Avoid overbeating from this point to keep your bars tender.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no flour streaks remain overmixing can make the bars tough.

Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts:

Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using distributing them evenly through the batter. These add texture and flavor surprise with every bite.

Transfer and Decorate:

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan smoothing the top. Sprinkle the festive sprinkles evenly across the top to add that cheerful holiday crunch and color.

Bake and Cool:

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown at the edges and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. This cooling step helps the bars set nicely for clean squares.

What I love most about this recipe is the way the sprinkles make it feel like a party right on the cookie bar. Once my niece helped me scatter the sprinkles on top and her excitement made the bake even sweeter.

Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight and warm slightly before serving for a fresh-baked feel.

Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch for a fun twist. Use almond or sunflower butter instead of nuts for nut allergies. Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a deeper caramel note but reduce granulated sugar slightly.

Serving Ideas

These bars are perfect on their own with a glass of milk but also great paired with coffee or tea for a festive brunch. Crumble warmed bars over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. A spread of cream cheese frosting can also elevate them for special occasions.

These bars provide a delicious festive treat that is easy to make and loved by all ages.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute the nuts in the bars?

Yes, you can use walnuts, pecans, or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.

→ How do I make the bars chewier?

Underbaking slightly helps retain moisture and creates a chewier texture inside the bars.

→ What size pan is best for baking these bars?

A 9x13 inch baking pan is ideal to get evenly thick bars and thorough baking.

→ Can I use different chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Dark, milk, or white chocolate chips can be used depending on your preference.

→ How do sprinkles affect the final texture?

Sprinkles mainly add festive color and a slight crunch on top without altering the bar’s softness.