Christmas is the season for indulging in sweet treats, and these Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect way to bring festive cheer to your holiday gatherings. With their buttery cookie base, rich chocolate chips, and a pop of color from red and green sprinkles, these bars combine the best elements of traditional Christmas cookies in an easy-to-make, bar form. Whether you’re baking for a party, sharing with friends and family, or just satisfying your own holiday cravings, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and festive flavors. Optional frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness, making them even more indulgent.

The simplicity of the recipe means these cookie bars can be whipped up quickly, and they make for a great holiday baking project that everyone can help with. The versatility of these bars also makes them easy to personalize, allowing you to get creative with additional toppings or flavor additions. Whether you stick to the classic chocolate chips and sprinkles or get adventurous with nuts and candy canes, these bars are a delicious treat that will be loved by all.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat! They capture all the flavors of traditional Christmas cookies but with the convenience of a bar. With their soft, chewy texture, rich chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles, they are a festive and easy-to-make snack. The optional frosting gives these bars a decadent finish, perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will delight your taste buds and fill your home with the warm, sweet aroma of Christmas. Plus, they’re a great addition to holiday cookie platters or as a special treat for guests!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar (packed)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
Red and green sprinkles (for a festive touch)

For the Frosting (Optional):

Unsalted butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk (to reach desired consistency)
Extra sprinkles for topping

Variations

Nutty Delight

Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor. The nuts complement the chocolate and give the bars a bit of crunch.

Peppermint Twist

For a minty holiday flavor, add crushed peppermint candies or mini candy canes to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting.

White Chocolate or Dark Chocolate Chips

Switch up the chocolate chips by using white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. You can also combine different types of chips for extra flavor layers.

Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the label of your baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the bars come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips & Sprinkles

Stir in the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of red and green sprinkles. Reserve a few sprinkles for the top of the bars after baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars

Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 6: Frosting (Optional)

If you want to add frosting, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and top with extra sprinkles.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the frosting has set, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your festive, sweet treat!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Butter Consistency: Make sure the butter is softened before mixing. Cold butter can make the dough harder to mix, while melted butter can cause the dough to be too runny.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure your bars are soft and chewy, not tough.
Customization: Feel free to mix in different holiday-themed candies, such as M&Ms, or add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
Storage: Allow the bars to cool completely before storing to avoid any mess. You can freeze the bars for longer storage—simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.

How to Serve

These Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for serving at holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat after dinner. They’re easy to portion, making them ideal for gift-giving or sharing. Pair them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa for an even more festive experience. If you’re hosting a holiday event, arrange them on a platter with other cookies or desserts for a colorful, festive dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re planning to keep them for longer, refrigerate them to extend their freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for up to one month. Slice them before freezing and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or heat in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds for a warm and slightly melty treat. This is perfect if you have leftover bars that you want to enjoy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you use salted butter, omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

2. Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other mix-ins?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate, butterscotch chips, or even dried cranberries for a holiday twist.

3. Can I make the bars without frosting?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can skip the frosting and top the bars with extra sprinkles or even crushed candy canes for added holiday flair.

4. How can I make these bars less sweet?

For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or skip the frosting altogether.

5. Can I use a different size baking dish?

If you use a different size baking dish, the baking time may vary. A smaller dish will require more baking time, while a larger dish will result in thinner bars and may bake faster.

6. Are these bars gluten-free?

You can make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

7. How long do these bars last?

Stored in an airtight container, the bars will stay fresh for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month.

8. Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts are great additions to the dough for extra texture and flavor.

9. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars in advance. Just store them in an airtight container once cooled, and they’ll be ready to serve whenever you need them.

10. Can I make the frosting in advance?

Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cooled bars.

Conclusion

Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful and festive treat that captures the essence of holiday baking with minimal effort. With a buttery cookie base, rich chocolate chips, and a colorful sprinkle topping, these bars are perfect for any holiday occasion. Whether you choose to add frosting or not, these bars will be a hit at your next holiday gathering. So, get baking and enjoy the delicious flavors of Christmas in every bite!