Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars: A Festive Holiday Delight

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these candy cane kiss sugar cookie bars! They’re seriously the most festive treat that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a holiday wonderland. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bar that’s bursting with the sweetness of sugar cookies and the delightful crunch of candy canes. It’s like Christmas in every bite! I remember the first time I made these bars; I had friends over for a holiday movie marathon, and I couldn’t wait to share them. The moment I brought them out, their eyes lit up – and trust me, they didn’t last long! It’s such a joy to whip these up, especially with the kids, who love unwrapping the candy cane kisses. They make the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or cookie swap, and honestly, they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself baking them again and again. So grab your apron, and let’s spread some holiday cheer with these delicious bars!

Ingredients for Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup candy cane kisses, unwrapped
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

How to Prepare Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these amazing candy cane kiss sugar cookie bars! Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to holiday bliss!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important so your bars bake evenly and come out just right!
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a little whisk to make sure everything’s mixed well.
3. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it; this step makes your bars nice and tender!
4. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. You want that rich, buttery flavor to shine through!
5. Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until you see the flour disappear—overmixing can make your bars tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
6. Time to fold in those fabulous candy cane kisses and the crushed candy canes. Oh, the holiday magic is about to happen!
7. Spread the dough evenly into a greased baking pan. Make sure to press it down gently so it bakes evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Trust me, the smell will be absolutely heavenly!
9. Once done, take them out and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars. Patience is key here; I know it’s tough, but just wait a little longer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They’re super quick to whip up—perfect when you’re short on time during the busy holiday season!
• These bars are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• The festive flavors of candy canes and the creamy kisses make them a delightful treat that screams holiday cheer!
• They’re perfect for sharing! Bring them to parties, cookie swaps, or just enjoy them with family and friends.
• These bars are soft, chewy, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them a crowd-pleaser every time!
• With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Tips for Success

To make sure your candy cane kiss sugar cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly, giving you that lovely texture we all crave!
• Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time! Ovens can vary, so I recommend checking your bars a couple of minutes before the timer goes off. They’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cooling is Key: After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely so they don’t fall apart when you cut them!
• Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks—just make sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
• Extra Toppings: For a little pizzazz, consider drizzling some melted white chocolate over the cooled bars before cutting them. It adds a beautiful touch and enhances the flavor!

Variations on Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of fun variations you can try with these candy cane kiss sugar cookie bars! Here are some of my favorite ideas:

• Different Kisses: Switch things up by using different flavors of kisses! Try peanut butter kisses for a delicious twist or even some milk chocolate kisses if you prefer a classic taste.
• Nutty Delight: Add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a nice crunch and extra flavor. Just fold them in with the candy cane kisses for a delightful surprise!
• Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling the bars, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before slicing. Dark, milk, or even white chocolate would work beautifully!
• Minty Fresh: For an extra minty kick, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter. This will enhance the holiday vibes and make your bars even more refreshing!
• Sprinkle Some Fun: Top the bars with festive sprinkles or extra crushed candy canes before baking for a pop of color and extra sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these bars friendly for your gluten-sensitive friends!

These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to personalize the recipe to your taste. So, don’t hesitate to get creative—your taste buds will thank you!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to delicious treats like these candy cane kiss sugar cookie bars, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one serving (one bar):

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, during the holidays, a little indulgence is definitely worth it, right? Enjoy every bite of your festive creation!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your candy cane kiss sugar cookie bars properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting too soft or sticky.

If you want to keep them even longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for up to two weeks. Just remember to let them sit out for a bit to come back to room temperature before you dive in—trust me, they taste best that way!

Now, if you find yourself craving a warm, gooey cookie bar (and who wouldn’t?), you can easily reheat them! Just place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it, though; you don’t want it to get too hot and turn into a gooey mess. A warm bar with a soft center is pure bliss!

So go ahead, store those delicious bars safely, and enjoy them whenever the holiday cravings hit! They’re so good, you might want to hide a few away for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of kisses in this recipe?
Absolutely! While candy cane kisses are a festive favorite, you can easily swap them out for other flavors like peanut butter or caramel kisses. It’ll give your cookie bars a whole new twist!

How should I store leftover bars?
Store your candy cane kiss sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying them for the best taste!

Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying your tasty treat!

What can I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your bars turn out crumbly, it might be due to overmixing or not enough moisture. Make sure to follow the instructions closely, and if they seem dry, you could try adding a little more butter next time to help bind everything together.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two in advance, store them properly, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests when the party rolls around!

For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!

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