Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: 10 Festive Ideas to Bake Fast

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Introduction

Do you find yourself struggling to keep up with the demands of the holiday baking season? Fear not! This Christmas cookie bars recipe is your key to delicious, fuss-free treats that will impress your guests and save you valuable time. With a few simple ingredients and our expertly crafted steps, you’ll be whipping up batch after batch of these festive bars in no time. Get ready to become the envy of your neighborhood with these 10 irresistible flavor combinations!

Ingredients List

To create these Christmas cookie bars , you’ll need :

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the festive toppings, consider options like :

Crushed candy canes
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Dried cranberries
Shredded coconut
White chocolate chips
Sprinkles in holiday colors

Timing

Preparation time : 15 minutes
Baking time : 25-30 minutes
Total time : 40-45 minutes

That’s right, you can have these delectable Christmas cookie bars ready in under an hour – 20% faster than the average holiday baking recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Top the dough with your desired festive toppings, pressing them gently into the surface.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the Christmas cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 bar) :

Calories : 210
Total Fat : 11g
Saturated Fat : 7g
Cholesterol : 40mg
Sodium : 125mg
Total Carbohydrates : 26g
Dietary Fiber : 1g
Sugars : 16g
Protein : 2g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a lighter twist, consider using :

Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose
Coconut oil or applesauce in place of some of the butter
Reduced-sugar or sugar-free chocolate chips
Chopped nuts or dried fruit instead of candy toppings

These modifications will provide a healthier take on the classic Christmas cookie bars while still delivering the same delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile Christmas cookie bars are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them as a festive dessert at your holiday party, package them in cute tins as homemade gifts, or enjoy them as an afternoon treat with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Get creative with your presentation by drizzling them with melted chocolate, dusting with powdered sugar, or arranging them on a platter with fresh berries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the bars, which can lead to a dry, crumbly texture
Skimping on the butter or sugar, which can result in a lackluster flavor
Cutting the bars before they have fully cooled, causing them to crumble
Forgetting to grease the pan, leading to sticking and difficult removal

By following the instructions carefully and keeping an eye on the baking time, you can easily avoid these common pitfalls and achieve perfectly fudgy, irresistible Christmas cookie bars.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Christmas cookie bars fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Christmas cookie bars are the ultimate time-saving solution for your holiday baking needs. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up 10 delectable flavor combinations in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional cookies. Impress your friends and family with these festive, fuss-free treats, and enjoy the season to the fullest. Now, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and let’s get baking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of flour besides all-purpose?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or even gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that the texture and baking time may vary slightly.

Q: Do I have to use unsalted butter?
A: While unsalted butter is preferred to better control the overall salt content, you can certainly use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of adjusting the added salt in the recipe accordingly.

Q: Can I make these Christmas cookie bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Prepare the bars as directed, allow them to cool completely, and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking pan?
A: No problem! You can use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan instead. The bars will be slightly thicker, so you may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes.