Christmas Cookie Bars

These Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends. Rich, buttery, and loaded with chocolate chips and optional nuts, these bars offer all the deliciousness of classic cookies but in a quick, easy-to-make bar form. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or just looking for a festive snack, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips and, if desired, the chopped nuts for added texture.
5. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

1. Add dried fruit: For a holiday twist, add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots to the dough.
2. Use different chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
3. Swap the nuts: If you prefer a different type of nut, try using walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts in place of the chopped nuts.
4. Holiday-themed mix-ins: Add colorful holiday sprinkles or mini candy canes to make these bars even more festive.
5. Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bars gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well. After cutting them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave the bars for about 10-15 seconds or heat them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
2. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
   You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the sweetness contributes to the texture and flavor of the bars.
3. Can I use a different type of flour?
   You can substitute whole wheat flour or almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a different flavor or texture, but it may affect the consistency.
4. Can I use egg substitutes?
   Yes, you can use egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce for a dairy-free or vegan version of these bars.
5. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
   The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Can I add more chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! If you love extra chocolate, feel free to add more chocolate chips to the dough.
7. Can I use a smaller or larger baking pan?
   If you use a smaller pan, the bars may need a few extra minutes to bake. If using a larger pan, the bars may bake faster, so keep an eye on them.
8. How do I store leftover bars?
   Store the leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if you want to keep them fresher for longer.
9. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
   Yes, a hand mixer will work fine for creaming the butter and sugars together and mixing in the dry ingredients.
10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are an easy and delicious way to enjoy all the festive flavors of the holiday season. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a batch of soft, chewy bars that are perfect for sharing or enjoying with your loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or making a sweet treat for yourself, these bars will definitely be a holiday favorite!

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