The holiday season, a time of year when we come together with loved ones, deck our homes with festive decorations, and indulge in the sweet pleasures of the season. Among the many delectable delights that grace our tables, there’s something truly enchanting about the humble Christmas Cookie Bars.
These bars, with their cheerful colors, decadent flavors, and an aroma that fills the air with nostalgia, capture the very essence of the holidays. They serve as a delicious bridge between generations, connecting the joy of yesteryears with the present.
Whether you’re an experienced baker, crafting these with the expertise of years gone by, or a novice just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe is a canvas for your holiday dreams. It’s a canvas that invites you to share moments of warmth and togetherness with those who matter most, or to create a slice of holiday magic right in the heart of your own home.
May these Christmas Cookie Bars not only tantalize your taste buds but also fill your home with the spirit of the season.
Choosing Ingredients:
- Butter: Using unsalted butter and allowing it to soften at room temperature ensures a creamy texture and enhances the flavor of the bars.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness, and its fine texture blends smoothly into the dough.
- Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Eggs add moisture and structure to the bars, while vanilla extract infuses them with a warm and inviting aroma.
- Flour, Salt, and Baking Powder: All-purpose flour is the base of the dough, while a pinch of salt and baking powder contributes to the bars’ texture and rise.
- M&M’s and Chocolate Chips: These are the stars of the show, adding a burst of color and delightful pockets of chocolatey goodness. You can choose holiday-themed M&M’s for a festive touch.
How to Make It:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture, ensuring a smooth and well-combined batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive cookie dough forms.
- Gently fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips, reserving some for topping if desired.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting them into squares.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Flavor Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint for unique flavor profiles.
- White Chocolate: Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a more indulgent treat.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Diet-Friendly: To align with your goal of getting back on a diet, consider using sugar substitutes or reducing the sugar content.
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s (or any holiday-themed candies)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Gently fold in the M&M’s and chocolate chips. You can also reserve some to sprinkle on top for a festive look.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before cutting them into squares.
- Enjoy your delicious Christmas Cookie Bars! You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect if you like.
