Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: A Festive, Easy Holiday Treat

Photo byFast Recipes

When the holiday season rolls around, it's the perfect time to whip up treats that are as festive as they are delicious. These Christmas Cookie Bars fit the bill perfectly, combining the buttery goodness of classic cookies with the convenience of bar baking. Soft and loaded with colorful holiday sprinkles, these cookie bars are a hit at any holiday gathering, whether it’s a cookie exchange, a Christmas party, or a cozy night in with the family.

With just a hint of vanilla and an optional touch of almond extract, these bars have a sweet, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the season. They are easy to make, requiring just one pan, and can be customized with your favorite sprinkles to add a pop of holiday cheer. For those looking to take them over the top, a layer of creamy vanilla frosting adds extra sweetness and a perfect surface for even more sprinkles.

Recipe: Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients:

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles (or holiday-colored sprinkles)

For the Frosting (Optional):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Additional holiday sprinkles for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This helps ensure that the cookie bars don’t stick and makes it easy to lift them out for slicing.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent texture throughout the bars.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes and helps create a tender, buttery texture in the cookie bars.
4. Add the Eggs and Extracts:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using, to add extra depth of flavor.
5. Combine and Add Sprinkles:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough. Fold in the holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
6. Spread and Bake:
   Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
7. Optional Frosting:
   For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
8. Frost and Decorate:
   Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie bars and garnish with additional holiday sprinkles for an extra festive finish.
9. Slice and Serve:
   Once the frosting is set, slice the cookie bars into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars are perfect for sharing and storing in an airtight container for up to a week.

These Christmas Cookie Bars are ready in just 40 minutes, with only 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking time. Each batch yields about 24 bars, making them perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or packaging as homemade gifts. The optional frosting adds a touch of creamy sweetness, but the bars are just as delicious on their own, with a delightful crunch from the festive sprinkles.

These cookie bars are a holiday favorite, bringing together the rich, buttery flavors of traditional cookies in a convenient, easy-to-make bar form. The combination of warm vanilla, tender crumb, and cheerful holiday sprinkles makes them a must-have for any Christmas treat spread. Whether you're baking for a party or looking to enjoy a cozy night in, these Christmas Cookie Bars are sure to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday season.

For more festive baking ideas and holiday recipes, check out this Facebook group.