Christmas Bar Cookie Recipe Easy

What kind of recipe is it?

The Christmas bar cookie recipe is a delightful holiday treat that combines the best features of traditional cookies and festive flavors into a convenient, sliceable form.

These bars often feature rich ingredients like chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits, embodying the spirit of the season. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, easy to prepare, and great for sharing with friends and family.

This recipe is aimed at bakers of all skill levels who want to impress during the festive season while enjoying delicious, seasonal treats.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Brown sugar	1 cup packed
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks)
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1 cup
Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)	1 cup
Dried cranberries or raisins	1 cup
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Powdered sugar (for dusting)	Optional, for serving

This list provides everything you’ll need to create the Christmas bar cookies, ensuring that your festive baking is straightforward and delicious!

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Cooking Steps

Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and position the oven rack in the center. Prepare a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 226 g (1 cup) of unsalted butter with 200 g (1 cup) of granulated sugar and 220 g (1 cup packed) of brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3–5 minutes.
Add in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until thoroughly combined and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 240 g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute. Don’t overmix.
Gently fold in 175 g (1 cup) of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 140 g (1 cup) of chopped nuts, and 150 g (1 cup) of dried cranberries (or raisins) using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using the spatula. Confirm the surface is smooth and even to promote even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center springs back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10–15 minutes before cutting them into squares.

Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Variations

Nutty Chocolate Chip: Substitute 140 g (1 cup) of chopped nuts with 140 g (1 cup) of chopped pecans or walnuts for a richer nut flavor.
Cranberry Orange Bliss: Replace the dried cranberries with 150 g (1 cup) of dried orange cranberries or add the zest of 1 orange for a citrusy twist.
Vegan Chocolate Delight: Use 226 g (1 cup) of coconut oil instead of butter, substitute eggs with 60 ml (1/4 cup) of applesauce, and verify chocolate chips are dairy-free for a vegan option.
Gluten-Free Christmas Bars: Replace the 240 g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free adaptation while maintaining texture and taste.

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Tips on plating and presentation

After experimenting with some delicious variations, it’s time to think about how to present your festive bar cookies.

I love using colorful plates or trays to showcase them.

Consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect.

Garnish with fresh mint leaves or cranberries to enhance the holiday vibe.

Finally, don’t forget to arrange them neatly for that wow factor!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

What makes a festive gathering even better? Pairing my Christmas bar cookies with delightful treats!

I love serving them alongside rich hot cocoa, creamy eggnog, or a selection of gourmet cheeses and crackers.

You can also add some fresh fruit or a vibrant salad to balance the sweetness.

Each combination enhances the flavors, making my holiday spread truly memorable for family and friends.

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What drinks can I pair it with?

When I’m enjoying my Christmas bar cookies, I love to pair them with a warm beverage that complements their sweetness.

A cup of spiced chai or rich hot chocolate works wonders.

If I’m in the mood for something invigorating, I’ll opt for a creamy eggnog or a festive cranberry apple cider.

These drinks truly enhance the delightful flavors of those holiday treats!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Bake the Cookies?

It typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes to bake the cookies. I always check them at the 20-minute mark to guarantee they don’t overbake. The aroma is simply irresistible during baking!

Can I Freeze the Baked Bar Cookies?

Absolutely, I freeze my baked bar cookies all the time! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months!

What Do I Do if I Run Out of an Ingredient?

If I run out of an ingredient, I usually check for substitutes. Sometimes, I can swap in similar items or adjust the recipe a bit. It’s all about being creative with what I’ve got!

How Can I Make the Cookies More Festive?

I love adding festive sprinkles or colorful frosting to my cookies. Sometimes, I incorporate holiday-themed shapes with cookie cutters, or sprinkle in nuts and dried fruit for extra flavor. It truly makes them more cheerful!

Are There Gluten-Free Options for This Recipe?

Absolutely, I’ve made these cookies gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. It works great! Just watch the baking time, as gluten-free options can sometimes bake faster. Enjoy!