Holiday Bar Cookies Recipe Easy

What kind of recipe is it?

Holiday bar cookies are a delightful dessert that combines the convenience of a cookie with the richness of a bar, making them perfect for festive gatherings.

These treats are characterized by their chewy texture, vibrant flavors, and appealing presentations, often featuring seasonal ingredients like chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits.

Ideal for bakers of all skill levels, they make for an easy, crowd-pleasing option during the holiday season, perfect for sharing with family and friends or as a sweet addition to any holiday platter.

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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)
Eggs	2 large
Vanilla extract	2 teaspoons
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1 cup
Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)	1 cup
Dried cranberries or raisins	1 cup
Powdered sugar (for dusting)	Optional, for serving

Make sure to have all ingredients ready for a smooth baking process!

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Cooking Steps

1. Prepare all ingredients by measuring them accurately and have them ready at hand for a smooth baking process.

Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and position the oven rack in the center.

2. Line a 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Lightly grease the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream 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 the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.

4. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then incorporate 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of vanilla extract until fully combined.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 250 g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour, 5 g (1 teaspoon) of baking powder, 2.5 g (1/2 teaspoon) of baking soda, and 3 g (1/2 teaspoon) of salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Don’t overmix.

6. Fold in 170 g (1 cup) of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 120 g (1 cup) of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), and 150 g (1 cup) of dried cranberries or raisins using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with the spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

8. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes.

Then, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan, and let them cool completely on the rack before cutting into squares.

Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Variations

Nut-Free Delight: Replace nuts with an additional 70 g (1/2 cup) of chocolate chips for a nut-free version without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with 250 g (2 cups) of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free treat.
Vegan Bars: Use 226 g (1 cup) of coconut oil in place of butter, replace eggs with 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons of water, and verify the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Seasonal Pumpkin Spice: Incorporate 150 g (1 cup) of pure pumpkin puree and 5 g (1 teaspoon) of pumpkin pie spice, replacing half the flour with rolled oats for a fall-inspired twist.

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Tips on plating and presentation

How can I make my holiday bar cookies truly stand out when serving them?

I love using colorful plates or platters to contrast the cookies’ hues. Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling chocolate can elevate their appeal.

Nestling them among festive greenery or seasonal decorations brings a warm, inviting touch.

Finally, don’t forget to include small decorative tags to share flavors or ingredients!

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What other dishes can I pair it with?

Making your holiday bar cookies visually appealing is just one part of the experience; they can shine even brighter when paired with complementary dishes.

I love serving them alongside a rich chocolate mousse or a platter of assorted nuts. A light fruit salad balances the sweetness perfectly, too.

These pairings elevate the whole dessert experience and leave everyone wanting more!

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What drinks can I pair it with?

To enhance the enjoyment of your holiday bar cookies, I’ve found that the right drink can truly elevate the experience.

A warm cup of spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate pairs perfectly, complementing the sweetness. If you prefer something colder, a glass of milk or a festive eggnog adds a delightful touch.

Experimenting with these options will surely enhance your cookie enjoyment!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Holiday Bar Cookies Stay Fresh?

Holiday bar cookies usually stay fresh for about a week at room temperature in an airtight container. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months, maintaining their yummy flavor and texture.

Can I Freeze Holiday Bar Cookies for Later Use?

I freeze my holiday bar cookies all the time. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in an airtight container. They taste great even after a few months!

What Size Pan Is Best for Baking Bar Cookies?

I usually bake bar cookies in a 9×13-inch pan. It’s the perfect size for even baking and guarantees they come out nicely golden. You’ll love how easy it is to serve them.

Are There Any Gluten-Free Alternatives for This Recipe?

Absolutely, I love using almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour as alternatives. They work great in bar cookie recipes, giving a delicious texture while ensuring everyone can enjoy these tasty treats, regardless of dietary restrictions!

How Can I Customize the Flavor of the Cookies?

I love customizing cookie flavors! You can add vanilla, almond extract, or spices like cinnamon. Experiment with different mix-ins, such as nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips, to create a unique taste each time.