Description
These Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful and festive holiday treat. They are soft, sweet, and easy to make, perfect for any holiday gathering or cookie exchange.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips)
- Optional add-ins: Sprinkles, chopped candy canes, holiday-themed M&Ms, or chopped nuts
- For the Topping (Optional): ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir until combined.
- Once the dough is mixed, fold in the mini chocolate chips (or any other add-ins you desire). The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For softer bars, check at 20 minutes and remove once just set.
- Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles.
- Dust the cooled bars with powdered sugar or sprinkle with extra holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use softened butter for best results.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough bars.
- Customize toppings with sprinkles, candy canes, or M&Ms.
- Bake just until set for soft, chewy bars.
- Chilling the dough is optional for a thicker bar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg