These Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive treat that combines all the flavors of the holiday season! With gooey caramels, melty chocolate, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Versatile Mix-Ins: A perfect balance of sweet and chewy with customizable add-ins.
• Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and only 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for holiday cookie exchanges or festive gatherings.
These festive Christmas cookie bars are loaded with chocolate chips, M&Ms, caramels, and holiday sprinkles for the ultimate holiday treat. Soft, chewy, and easy to make, they’re perfect for parties or gift-giving!
Tips for Making the Recipe:
• Cool Before Slicing: Let the bars cool fully in the pan for clean slices.
• Add More Flour if Needed: If your dough feels overly runny, add an extra ¼ cup flour.
• Customize Your Mix-Ins: Use any combination of chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to make them your own.
How to Serve:
Serve these bars as part of a holiday cookie platter, paired with hot chocolate or coffee, or individually wrapped for gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
To Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Allow bars to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Flavor Pairings
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm salted caramel over the baked and cooled bars for extra decadence.
Fruit Burst: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Add a Dipping Element
Serve with small cups of melted chocolate, caramel, or vanilla sauce for dipping—perfect for parties!
FAQs
1. Can I use different chocolate?
Yes! Substitute with milk, dark, or white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
2. How do I avoid overbaking?
Bake just until the edges are golden and the center is no longer wet. The bars will firm up as they cool.
3. Can I add nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for extra crunch.
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- ¾ cup 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk for extra richness
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour add up to ¼ cup more if dough is too runny
Mix-Ins (Total 2 Cups):
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup red & green M&Ms
- ½ cup chewy caramels chopped (e.g., Kraft or Werther’s Soft)
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramels
- Chop each caramel into smaller pieces (e.g., Kraft caramels can be cut into 8 pieces each).
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 20–30 seconds, just until melted. Let it cool slightly if it’s very hot.
- Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Stir until fully combined.
- Mix in the egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Stir in the baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until fully incorporated. If the dough feels too soft, let it sit for 5 minutes to firm up or add an extra ¼ cup of flour.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Stir in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, caramel pieces, and sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top.
- For a decorative touch, press a few extra mix-ins on top.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking for softer, chewier bars.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, slice into squares:
- 12 large pieces
- 24 medium squares
- 48 bite-sized treats
