Print

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe Easy Festive Holiday Dessert Bars

Christmas cookie bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These Christmas cookie bars are a quick, festive, and foolproof holiday treat packed with white chocolate, cranberries, and sprinkles. Perfect for sharing at parties, gifting, or enjoying with family, they come together in under 45 minutes and deliver bakery-style flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) almond extract (optional)
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2g) baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1 cup (170g) white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (60g) dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup (50g) holiday sprinkles or red/green M&Ms
  • 1/3 cup (40g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting, or grease generously with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides as needed. Add vanilla extract and almond extract (if using), and mix until smooth and glossy.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, sprinkles or M&Ms, and nuts if using. Reserve a few chips and candies for topping.
  7. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Scatter reserved chips and sprinkles on top and gently press them in.
  8. Bake for 22-28 minutes, until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour. Use the parchment overhang to lift out, then cut into 24-28 squares.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

For chewiest bars, do not overbake; they will set as they cool. Chill bars for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts. Easily adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday dessert, easy cookie bars, festive bars, white chocolate cranberry bars, Christmas baking, cookie exchange, holiday treats

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/christmas-cookie-bars-recipe-easy-festive-holiday-dessert-bars/