Introduction
There’s something magical about the holiday season, and few things capture that essence better than a batch of festive Christmas cookie bars. These delightful treats combine rich, buttery flavor with the charm of seasonal ingredients. With red and green M&M’s, creamy white chocolate chips, and cheerful holiday sprinkles, they make the perfect dessert for gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home with family. In this article, we will guide you through creating these scrumptious cookie bars that are sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Detailed Ingredients
Melted Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. This provides a creamy base and moisture for your bars.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup light brown sugar, packed. Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor that gives the cookie bars a chewy texture.
Egg: 1 large egg. The egg helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the overall richness of the bars.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the sweetness.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon salt. A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors of the other ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. This is the main structure of the cookie bars, providing the necessary stability.
Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Baking powder helps the bars rise slightly and achieve a soft texture.
Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. This also aids in leavening and contributes to the chewy texture.
M&M’s: 1 cup red and green M&M’s. Holiday-themed chocolates bring a pop of color and delicious crunch to your bars.
White Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips. These chips add a creamy sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Holiday Sprinkles: 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles. For the finishing touch, sprinkles provide a festive charm and an extra layer of sweetness.
Prep Time
The prep time for these delightful Christmas cookie bars is approximately 10 minutes. This makes them an accessible option for those bustling during the holiday season, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time for the cookie bars is about 25 minutes. When you add the prep time, the total time from start to finish comes to around 35 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 12 delightful bars, perfect for sharing with friends and family during holiday celebrations.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookie bars will bake evenly once they are ready to go into the oven. To prepare your baking dish, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step makes for easier removal of the bars once they are baked.
Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter and brown sugar. Using a whisk, mix them together until smooth and well combined. This step is crucial, as the combination of melted butter and brown sugar forms the heart of your cookie bars. Once they are blended, crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is uniform in texture and color.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step allows for even distribution of the leavening agents, ensuring that your cookie bars rise properly during baking. After blending the dry ingredients, gradually add them to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks remaining is perfectly fine.
Add Mix-Ins
It’s time to add some festive flair! Gently fold in the red and green M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. Make sure these additions are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The vibrant colors and textures of the M&M’s and sprinkles will make your cookie bars visually appealing and delicious.
Bake
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cookie bars are ready. Be cautious not to overbake, as this can make them dry.
Cool and Serve
After removing the cookie bars from the oven, allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block from the dish. Use a sharp knife to slice the cooled cookie bars into squares. These delicious treats can be served immediately or stored for later enjoyment.
Notes
For a more pronounced festive flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture. These spices enhance the overall holiday feel of the dessert. Additionally, if you prefer not to use M&M’s, you can substitute them with chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an equally delightful result.
Cook techniques
If you want to enhance your baking techniques, here are some tips: Be sure to measure your flour correctly—too much flour can lead to a dense bar. To do this, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This technique prevents introducing excess air into your flour, contributing to a better texture.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to taste.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
What can I substitute for white chocolate chips?
You can use regular chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even dark chocolate chips as a substitution for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Christmas cookie bars are more than just a dessert; they embody the spirit of joy and celebration during the holiday season. With a simple process and beautiful results, they are perfect for baking with loved ones or gift-giving to friends and neighbors. Not only do they taste fantastic, but the bright colors and festive sprinkles will bring a smile to anyone’s face. This year, let these delightful treats be part of your holiday traditions, filling your home with warmth, laughter, and sweet aromas.
More recipes suggestions and combinations
If you enjoyed making Christmas cookie bars, here are some other festive recipes to try:
Gingerbread Cookies
These traditional cookies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, offering a delightful chewiness.
Peppermint Bark
A luscious combination of chocolate and crushed peppermint can serve as a perfect treat for the holidays.
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
Rich and creamy with a hint of nutmeg and vanilla, these bars make for a decedent holiday dessert.
Chocolate Snowball Cookies
These bite-sized cookies are coated in powdered sugar, resembling little snowballs—perfect for winter gatherings.
Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Moist and chewy, these cookies add an eye-catching element to your holiday cookie platter.
With these delicious options, your holiday baking will surely be exciting and festive. Enjoy!