Christmas Cookie Bars

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Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat that combines the flavors of buttery shortbread, festive red and green sprinkles, and a luscious white chocolate drizzle. These bars are easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or looking for a sweet addition to your cookie exchange, these cookie bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

  • Christmas parties
  • Cookie exchanges
  • Festive gatherings
  • Edible holiday gifts
  • Sweet treats for kids and adults alike

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Christmas Cookie Bars will become a holiday favorite:

  • Festive Appearance: Bright sprinkles make these bars a beautiful addition to your holiday dessert table.
  • Easy to Make: No rolling or cutting—just bake, slice, and enjoy.
  • Buttery Texture: The shortbread base melts in your mouth.
  • Sweet and Crunchy: Perfectly balanced with a rich white chocolate drizzle and crunchy sprinkles.
  • Versatile Treat: Customize with your favorite holiday toppings.
  • Great for Sharing: Slice into bars for a sharable dessert.
  • Kid-Friendly: A recipe that kids can help decorate and enjoy.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare them in advance for stress-free entertaining.
  • Gift-Worthy: Packaged beautifully, these bars make excellent edible gifts.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Classic cookie taste with a festive twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 16 bars
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup red and green holiday sprinkles
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips, melted

Ingredient Highlights

  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, buttery flavor.
  • Holiday Sprinkles: Add a festive touch and crunch.
  • White Chocolate: Enhances sweetness and provides a smooth drizzle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Base:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Press Dough: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan.

Bake and Cool:

  1. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  2. Cool: Let the shortbread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing.

Decorate:

  1. Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle the red and green decorations over the top while the shortbread is still slightly warm.
  2. Drizzle White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the bars.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Christmas Cookie Bars:

  • Holiday Dessert Platter: Include these bars on a tray with other festive treats.
  • With Hot Cocoa: Pair with a mug of hot chocolate for a cozy holiday snack.
  • As a Party Favor: Wrap individually in festive bags as take-home goodies.
  • With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • For Santa’s Plate: Add these bars to your Christmas Eve cookie tradition.
  • With Coffee: Perfect for a holiday brunch or coffee break.
  • For Bake Sales: A colorful addition to any holiday fundraiser.
  • Gift Boxes: Pack alongside truffles and peppermint bark for a sweet present.
  • With Mulled Wine: A delightful pairing for adults.
  • As a Stocking Stuffer: Wrap small portions for a unique stocking treat.

Additional Tips

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter is softened for easy mixing.
  • Even Dough Distribution: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to level the dough in the pan.
  • Avoid Over-Baking: Remove from the oven when edges are lightly golden to prevent a dry texture.
  • Custom Toppings: Swap sprinkles for crushed candy canes or chopped nuts.
  • Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate Drizzle: Substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate.
  • Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the dough.
  • Peppermint Twist: Mix in crushed peppermint candies for a minty flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  • Cranberry Bliss: Add dried cranberries for a sweet and tart twist.

Special Equipment

  • 9×9-Inch Baking Pan: Ensures even baking and perfect bar size.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Offset Spatula: For smooth dough spreading and chocolate drizzling.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use salted butter?
    Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
  2. How do I store these bars?
    Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  3. Can I freeze the cookie bars?
    Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw before serving.
  4. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, use a larger pan and adjust baking time as needed.
  5. What if I don’t have white chocolate?
    Use any chocolate or icing for decoration.

Conclusion

Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful and festive addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their buttery base, colorful sprinkles, and sweet drizzle, they capture the joy and spirit of the season in every bite. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these bars are sure to bring smiles to your family and friends this holiday season. Make a batch (or two!) and let the holiday magic unfold!

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