Christmas Cookie Bars: Easy, Festive, and Delicious
If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further than Christmas Cookie Bars. These bars bring all the flavors of your favorite Christmas cookies—like chocolate chips, festive sprinkles, and rich buttery goodness—into a convenient bar form that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, packing up a holiday cookie tray, or simply craving something sweet to enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa, these bars are the ideal choice.
Perfect for Christmas baking bars, easy Christmas cookie bars, and everything in between, this recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also one that requires minimal prep. If you’re short on time but still want to deliver something impressive, this Christmas cookie bars recipe easy is sure to become a staple in your holiday baking lineup.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Cookie Bars
Here’s why these Christmas squares recipes will be your new go-to holiday treat:
- Easy to Make: No need to scoop dough and bake cookies individually. Just spread the dough in a pan, bake, and cut into bars—perfect for busy holiday baking sessions.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even chopped candy canes for extra holiday flair.
- Great for Sharing: These bars are perfect for gifting, whether you’re assembling a Christmas cookie tray or sending them out to loved ones.
- Festive Flavors: Enjoy all the flavors of Christmas in one bite, from rich butter and vanilla to sweet chocolate and festive sprinkles.
Looking for another easy Christmas dessert? Try our Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake—it’s a festive treat that’s just as simple to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Christmas cookie bars easy:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or white chocolate chips for a festive twist)
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (optional, for a minty crunch)
This simple list of ingredients makes for a delightful batch of Christmas cookie bars recipes easy to whip up. Want to add a little more sweetness? Drizzle some melted white chocolate over the bars before serving!
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to make your holiday cookie tray filled with Christmas dessert bars recipes:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars soft and chewy.
Step 5: Add the Mix-ins
Fold in the chocolate chips, holiday sprinkles, and crushed candy canes (if using). Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake as the bars will continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy these Xmas bars and squares with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
For another simple yet delicious holiday treat, try making our Gingerbread Truffles for a festive bite-sized dessert.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cookie Bars
These Christmas cookie bars are perfect on their own, but here are some ideas for serving them at your holiday gatherings:
- Holiday Cookie Tray: Arrange these cookie bars on a festive platter alongside other Christmas treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and snowball cookies.
- Gift Idea: Pack these bars in a cute holiday tin or box for a sweet homemade gift.
- With a Hot Drink: Serve with a mug of hot chocolate, spiced cider, or a Christmas latte for the ultimate cozy experience.
- Top with Ice Cream: For a fun twist, serve these bars as a sundae with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
If you love baking for the holidays, try our Holiday Morning Breakfast Casserole to add some savory dishes to your Christmas spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These Christmas cookie bars recipes make great leftovers, and here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Want to try another make-ahead treat? Try our Crockpot Butter Chicken for an easy dinner to complement your holiday desserts.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize these Christmas cookie bars to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for a delightful crunch.
- Minty Flavor: Swap the regular chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips or add a few drops of mint extract to the dough for a festive minty touch.
- Cranberry-Orange: For a more seasonal flavor, add dried cranberries and a bit of orange zest to the dough.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra sweet and gooey addition.
For another creative spin on cookies, try our Almond Cherry Cookies for a nutty, fruity holiday treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Christmas cookie bars come out perfect every time, avoid these mistakes:
- Overmixing the dough: Mix the dough just until combined to prevent dense, tough bars.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. Once the edges turn golden, and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re done!
- Not cooling completely: Let the bars cool fully before slicing. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.
For another sweet treat, check out our Peppermint Brownie Trifle—it’s the perfect way to combine brownies with holiday peppermint flavor.
FAQs About Christmas Cookie Bars
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or even chocolate chunks for a different twist.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour to make them gluten-free.
Can I add more mix-ins?
Yes, feel free to add any mix-ins you like! Try adding toffee bits, M&Ms, or shredded coconut for a unique twist.
How do I store leftover cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy Christmas treats, try our Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels for a fun holiday snack.
Final Thoughts + Share and Subscribe for More Holiday Recipes
Christmas Cookie Bars are a simple, delicious, and festive treat that everyone will love. With their chewy texture, sweet flavor, and endless ways to customize, these bars are perfect for any holiday occasion, whether you’re packing a holiday cookie tray or baking up something special for your family. The best part? They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends, save it for later, and subscribe to our blog for more Christmas cookies and bars ideas. Check out our Holiday Morning Breakfast Casserole for a perfect savory complement to your sweet treats!
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How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Bun Scones for a Cozy Treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 scones 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Make warm, flaky Cinnamon Bun Scones with this easy recipe! A perfect hybrid of cinnamon rolls and scones, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
- For the Icing:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. This is what gives the scones their flaky texture.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour-butter mixture, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
- Roll Out the Dough and Add the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Fold the Dough and Cut the Scones: Starting from one end, carefully fold the dough into a log, then press it down gently to seal. Slice the dough into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
- Bake the Scones: Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Glaze the Scones: While the scones are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Once the scones have cooled for about 5 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Notes
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky texture. Make sure it’s chilled and cut into small cubes before adding it to the flour mixture.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can make the scones tough. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
- Roll the dough gently: Roll out the dough with gentle hands to avoid flattening it too much. You want it to remain light and airy.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough in the fridge for about 10 minutes before baking. This can help the scones maintain their shape during baking.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your scones to avoid overbaking. They should be golden brown, but still soft in the center.
