Christmas Cookie Bars

Christmas Cookie Bars: Ultimate Treat in 5 Simple Steps!

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Christmas Cookie Bars: Ultimate Treat in 5 Simple Steps!

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The holiday season is here, and with it, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats! This year, move over traditional cookies and make room for something truly spectacular: our incredible Christmas Cookie Bars. These festive, easy-to-make delights are packed with holiday cheer and are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. Get ready to bake a batch that will bring smiles to everyone!

1. Unwrap the Magic: Introducing Your New Favorite Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe!

There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing homemade treats during the holidays. Our recipe for these delightful cookie bars takes the stress out of holiday baking while delivering maximum flavor and festive appeal. They’re perfect for gifting, parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.

Imagine soft, chewy bars, adorned with vibrant sprinkles and a creamy frosting – pure holiday bliss in every bite. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together!

Why choose cookie bars over individual cookies? For starters, they’re incredibly efficient! You get a large batch of delicious treats with much less effort than scooping and baking individual cookies. Plus, cutting them into squares makes serving a breeze.

These festive treats are also wonderfully versatile. You can customize them with your favorite sprinkles, candies, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. They make excellent homemade gifts for neighbors and friends, spreading holiday cheer with every box. See others recipes here

3. Gather Your Holiday Cheer: Essential Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking magic, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Most of these are pantry staples, but a quick check ensures a smooth baking experience. Fresh, quality ingredients always make a difference in the final taste.

For the Cookie Base:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Food coloring (red, green, or your choice)
  • Assorted holiday sprinkles

Now for the fun part! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful Christmas Cookie Bars ready to impress in no time. Precision is key, but don’t be afraid to add your personal touch!

Step 1: Prep for Perfection

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is a crucial step for clean slicing later.

Step 2: Mix, Mix, Hooray!

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
  5. Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Ensure it’s spread from edge to edge for uniform thickness.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the cookie base cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience is a virtue here; a completely cooled base is essential for neat frosting.

Step 4: Decorate & Delight

  1. While the cookie base cools, prepare your frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with splashes of milk/cream, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  3. If desired, divide the frosting and tint with food coloring.
  4. Once the cookie base is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate immediately with your favorite holiday sprinkles before the frosting sets.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

  1. Chill the frosted bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This step also makes them much easier to cut cleanly.
  2. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of cookie bars out of the pan.
  3. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your beautiful and delicious easy cookie bar recipe!

Want to take your cookie bars to the next level? Here are a few expert tips and creative variations to try. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these truly your own.

  • Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of orange or lemon zest to the cookie dough for a bright, festive flavor.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: After frosting, melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an elegant finish.
  • Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangier, richer frosting, substitute half of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese.
  • Holiday Spice: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer, spiced flavor profile, perfect for your holiday baking.

For more baking inspiration and a deeper dive into holiday desserts, check out Serious Eats’ dessert collection. They have fantastic resources for mastering your baking skills.

6. Serving Suggestions & Storage

These versatile cookie bars are perfect for any holiday occasion. Serve them on a festive platter at your next party, or pack them up in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

To store your holiday dessert, place the cut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (especially if you used a cream cheese frosting). For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted or frosted bars in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I freeze these Christmas Cookie Bars?

Yes, absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cookie base wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then frost and decorate as usual. You can also freeze already frosted and cut cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

For perfectly clean squares, it’s essential to let the cookie bars cool completely, and then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after frosting. Use a sharp, hot knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts) and clean the knife after every few slices. This will prevent dragging frosting and ensure neat edges.

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum). Ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but the bars will still be delicious and a wonderful festive treat for everyone.

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