Introduction
Nothing says the holiday season quite like the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. These Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat to bring a bit of cheer to your gatherings. With their rich, buttery base, bursts of chocolate chips, and a refreshing crunch from crushed peppermint candies, these bar cookies are guaranteed to become a holiday favorite! Easy to make and beautifully vibrant with colorful sprinkles, they are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of your delicious cookie bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is smooth and light.
- Next, beat in the large egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined and fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it should be a nice, thick dough!
- Fold in the rich chocolate chips and the festive crushed peppermint candies, allowing their flavors to mingle throughout the dough.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Sprinkle the colorful holiday sprinkles generously over the top, giving your bars that extra festive touch.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown and the center is set.
- Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, be sure to use high-quality vanilla extract and chocolate chips. You can also experiment by adding chopped nuts or substituting different types of chips, such as white chocolate or butterscotch, to make these bars your own. These cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but believe me, they won’t last that long!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and sugars, make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture. This step helps to incorporate air into the mix, yielding a fluffier cookie. Additionally, when adding the flour, mix until just combined to avoid tough bars. Folding in the chocolate and peppermint candies gently will help keep the dough light and airy.
FAQ
- Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These cookie bars are perfect for making ahead of time and can be stored for several days. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container!
- Can I freeze the cookie bars? Yes! Once cooled, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
- What can I substitute for peppermint candies? If peppermint isn’t your thing, you can swap it with crushed Oreos or nuts for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cookie Bars are not only easy to whip up but incredibly delicious and festive, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with friends, or delivering them as holiday gifts, these bars are sure to bring joy and sweetness to everyone around. Happy baking!