Christmas Cookie Bars

Introduction

Buttery, chewy, and loaded with festive sweetness, Christmas Cookie Bars capture everything we love about holiday baking in one irresistible pan. Each bite delivers soft centers, golden edges, and pops of chocolate that melt on your tongue. Unlike traditional cookies, these bars skip the scooping and chilling, making them perfect for busy December days. Christmas Cookie Bars shine at cookie swaps, family gatherings, and cozy nights by the tree. You’ll learn how to bake them perfectly, customize flavors, and store them for stress-free holiday treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Cookie Bars check every holiday baking box. They offer rich, buttery flavor with a soft and chewy center balanced by lightly crisp edges. The texture contrast keeps every bite exciting. You’ll love how easy they are to make since the dough comes together in one bowl and bakes in a single pan. No rolling. No chilling. No fuss.

These bars also adapt beautifully to your pantry. You can swap mix-ins, adjust sweetness, or dress them up for gifting. They slice cleanly, travel well, and look festive without extra decorating. Compared to traditional cookies, holiday cookie bars save time while delivering bold flavor. If you want a crowd-pleasing Christmas dessert bar that tastes homemade and looks bakery-worthy, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

For these Christmas Cookie Bars, you’ll need simple pantry staples with exact measurements for reliable results.

You’ll use 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, for rich flavor and chewy texture. Add 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar and 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar for balanced sweetness and moisture. Use 2 large eggs at room temperature to bind the batter smoothly. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for warmth.

For structure, measure 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled. Add 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt to control rise and enhance flavor. Finish with 1½ cups (255 g) Christmas-colored chocolate chips or chunks and ½ cup (75 g) festive sprinkles for texture and visual appeal.

Pro Tips

Use melted butter that’s warm, not hot. Overheated butter can scramble eggs and affect texture. Let it cool slightly before mixing.

Do not overmix once you add flour. Stir just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to dense bars instead of soft, chewy Christmas dessert bars.

Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. This simple step makes lifting, slicing, and serving your Christmas Cookie Bars clean and effortless. It also prevents overbrowning on the bottom.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing it to keep everything secure.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. This creates the base for chewy holiday cookie bars.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully blended and aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently until no dry streaks remain.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins
Add chocolate chips and sprinkles. Fold gently to distribute evenly without deflating the batter.

Step 6: Spread and Bake
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center sets with a slight softness.

Step 7: Cool and Slice
Cool completely in the pan before lifting out. Slice into bars using a sharp knife for clean edges.

Variations

Turn these Christmas Cookie Bars into new favorites with easy swaps. For a festive twist, use white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. For nut lovers, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

If you prefer softer holiday dessert bars, replace half the butter with cream cheese for a richer texture. To make them dairy-free, use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. These variations keep the bars adaptable while preserving their holiday charm.

Storage and Serving

Store Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 7 days to maintain freshness.

Serve them slightly warmed for a gooey texture or drizzle with melted chocolate for a dessert platter upgrade. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea. For gifting, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with ribbon for a festive presentation.

FAQs

Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Bars?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do I keep them chewy?
Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container.

Can I halve the recipe?
Yes. Use an 8×8-inch pan and reduce bake time slightly.

What pan works best?
A metal pan ensures even baking and crisp edges.

Can I add frosting?
Yes. A light vanilla glaze works well for special occasions.

Conclusion

This Christmas Cookie Bars recipe is comfort food at its finest — buttery, festive, and irresistibly chewy with pops of chocolate in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that simplifies holiday baking while still delivering homemade flavor and crowd-pleasing charm. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting friends, or treating your family, these bars bring warmth and joy to every celebration.