Delightful Christmas Bar Cookies for Cozy Holiday Moments

There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The scent of warm cookies wafting through the house, the laughter and chatter of family gathered around, and the joyful anticipation of sharing sweet treats—it’s pure bliss! One of my all-time favorite holiday recipes has to be these christmas bar cookies. They’re not just delicious; they’re super easy to make and perfect for any festive gathering. I love how they bring everyone together, whether it’s decorating them with colorful sprinkles or simply enjoying them fresh out of the oven. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why they’re a holiday staple in my kitchen! Plus, they’re so versatile; you can customize them with your favorite mix-ins. So roll up your sleeves, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, and let’s dive into the delightful world of baking these scrumptious christmas bar cookies. Your holidays will never be the same!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in creating these delightful christmas bar cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, giving them structure and that perfect chewy texture.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened so it creams well with the sugars!
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener gives your cookies a lovely sweetness and helps with that golden brown color.
• 1 cup brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor. Trust me, it’s key for that holiday taste!
• 2 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and give your cookies that tender crumb.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This is where the magic happens! Vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become nice and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch! Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of your cookies.
• 1 cup chocolate chips: Because what’s a cookie without chocolate? Feel free to use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips!
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): I love adding walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, but you can skip this if you prefer a nut-free version.

Make sure you have everything on hand before you start baking, and let’s get ready for some holiday cheer!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and start creating your delicious christmas bar cookies! Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a festive treat in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. I like to do this while I’m prepping the batter so that everything’s ready to go when it’s time to pop them in the oven.

Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies that delightful texture. You want it to look pale and fluffy, almost like a cloud!

Mixing in the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the two large eggs and the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to get all that buttery goodness mixed in. This is where the magic happens—vanilla adds such a warm flavor that makes your kitchen smell incredible!

Combining Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which is vital for that nice rise. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—this can lead to tough cookies, and we’re aiming for soft and chewy!

Incorporating Chocolate Chips and Nuts

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and, if you’re using them, 1 cup of chopped nuts. Use a spatula and be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is evenly distributed. You want those chocolate chips to be scattered throughout like little pockets of joy!

Spreading the Batter

Grab your greased baking pan and spread the batter evenly into it. I like to use an offset spatula for this—it makes the process so much easier! Make sure the top is smooth and even, so your cookies bake uniformly. You can tap the pan gently on the counter to settle the batter, which helps eliminate any air bubbles.

Baking Time

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to open the oven door too soon; we want to keep that heat in!

Cooling and Cutting

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the entire slab of cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting! But trust me, letting them cool will make cutting them into bars so much easier. Once cooled, grab a sharp knife and cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your festive creation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Decadent: These christmas bar cookies are a delightful combination of rich flavors, with gooey chocolate chips and a buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
• Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and no need for rolling or cutting, you’ll have these cookies ready to bake in no time—perfect for busy holiday baking sessions!
• Perfect for Sharing: They’re cut into easy-to-serve bars, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply sharing with friends and family.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins! Whether it’s nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of festive sprinkles, you can make these cookies uniquely yours.
• Festive Appeal: Their golden-brown color and chocolatey goodness are sure to bring joy to your holiday table and impress guests of all ages.
• Make Ahead: You can bake these in advance and store them for a week—perfect for keeping holiday stress at bay!

Tips for Success

To make sure your christmas bar cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I’ve gathered over the years:

• Use Quality Ingredients: It might be tempting to grab the cheapest butter or vanilla extract, but trust me, quality matters! Opt for unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in your cookies.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients accurately is crucial. I like to spoon flour into my measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, making your cookies tough instead of tender.
• Chill the Dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and improve the texture. It also helps prevent spreading, resulting in thicker bars!
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies a few minutes before the suggested time. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Cool Completely: I know it’s hard to resist, but let those cookies cool completely before cutting. This ensures they hold their shape and make clean, beautiful bars!
• Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a slice of bread to the container to help absorb moisture.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake the most scrumptious christmas bar cookies that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful christmas bar cookies! Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general breakdown per cookie:

• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Remember, enjoying these cookies in moderation is key to a happy holiday season! So, savor each bite, and don’t forget to share the joy with loved ones. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it may give your christmas bar cookies a denser texture. You might want to use a mix of both for a lighter result.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. They’ll be just as delicious!

Can I add different mix-ins to these cookies?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins. You can add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips. The possibilities are endless!

How should I store my christmas bar cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer.

What’s the best way to cut the bars evenly?
Once your cookies have cooled completely, use a sharp knife to cut them into bars. A ruler can help you measure even sections, or you can simply eye it for a more rustic look. Either way, they’ll taste amazing!

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