Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Cookie Bars offer a delightful twist on traditional holiday cookies, combining all your favorite flavors into easy-to-cut bars. They are perfect for festive gatherings or a simple sweet treat during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until combined but not overworked.
- Step 4: Fold in the sprinkles evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
- For a more festive touch, use holiday-themed sprinkles or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
- You can substitute half the butter with cream cheese for a richer texture.
- If you prefer, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for added crunch.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to avoid salty-tasting bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
PrintFestive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Delight in these festive Christmas Cookie Bars, a perfect holiday treat combining the classic flavors of sugar cookies with colorful sprinkles. Easy to prepare and bake, these bars are a convenient way to enjoy the cherished taste of Christmas cookies in a simple, shareable form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Gently fold in the sprinkles to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan to set. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars of your preferred size. Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas Cookie Bars!
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the bars once cooled.
- Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can substitute sprinkles with holiday-themed colored sugar or chopped nuts for variation.
Keywords: Christmas Cookie Bars, holiday desserts, sugar cookie bars, festive treats, sprinkles cookies
