Christmas Cookie Bars

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive, delicious dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. With a combination of rich butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips, they offer the classic flavors of Christmas cookies in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re baking for a party or just enjoying a treat at home, these cookie bars are sure to become a holiday favorite.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using).
6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

1. Add Holiday Sprinkles: For extra festive flair, sprinkle colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the bars before baking.
2. Use Different Chips: Swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or caramel chips for different flavor combinations.
3. Add Dried Fruit: Stir in dried cranberries or raisins to give the bars a touch of sweetness and texture.
4. Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C).

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used, butter provides a richer flavor and texture for the bars.
2. Can I make these bars without eggs? Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute for a vegan version.
3. Can I add other types of nuts? Yes, you can add walnuts, pecans, or almonds instead of or in addition to the nuts suggested.
4. What should I do if the bars seem too soft? If the bars are too soft after baking, make sure to let them cool completely in the pan. This helps them firm up.
5. Can I make these bars in a smaller pan? If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and may require a longer baking time.
6. How do I know when the bars are done? The edges will be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean when the bars are done.
7. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might want to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a lighter result.
8. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the bars a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
9. What can I do to make these bars more festive? Add colored chocolate chips, holiday-themed sprinkles, or even drizzle them with melted chocolate for extra decoration.
10. Can I use a different type of sugar? You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor, though the texture may change slightly.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a simple yet irresistible treat that combines all the warm, comforting flavors of classic holiday cookies in one easy-to-make dessert. With a soft, chewy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just want a festive treat, these cookie bars will surely be a hit!

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