Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive and easy treat perfect for the holiday season. These bars combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with colorful sprinkles, baked together in a convenient pan for quick slicing and sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 7: Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Tips & Variations
- Use nonpareils or jimmies for a classic sprinkle look, or try seasonal shapes for extra holiday flair.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a slightly nutty taste.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in a microwave or let come to room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe, as salted butter adds extra salt to the dough.
Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
PrintFestive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Delight in these festive Christmas Cookie Bars, a buttery and sweet treat made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars combine the joy of classic sugar cookies with the convenience of easy baking and cutting into shareable squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Bar Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles
- Optional: 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookie bars evenly.
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour (and baking powder if using), combining gently to form a soft dough. Stir in the sprinkles evenly throughout the mixture to spread the festive colors.
- Shape and Bake: Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or your hands. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars or squares for serving.
Notes
- For softer bars, do not overbake; keep an eye during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the bars.
- Add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor if desired.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday desserts, sugar cookie bars, festive treats, easy baking
