Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive and easy-to-make treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Instead of individual cookies, this recipe lets you bake a whole pan of buttery, sweet bars decorated with colorful sprinkles. It’s a simple way to enjoy classic holiday flavors with less fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the colorful sprinkles evenly over the top, gently pressing them into the dough.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough before baking.
- Try substituting half the flour with almond flour for a nuttier taste.
- To make it festive, use different colored sprinkles based on the holiday or occasion.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan for a firmer texture.
Storage
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. If refrigerated or frozen, let bars come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute. Be aware that the bars might be slightly less rich and crumbly.
How do I make the bars less sweet?
Reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup or swap half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, keeping in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
PrintFestive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
These festive Christmas Cookie Bars combine classic holiday flavors into an easy-to-make treat perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Made with a simple dough of flour, sugar, butter, and colorful sprinkles, these bars are baked to a golden perfection and then cut into cheerful, bite-sized pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
- Shape and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool and cut: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dough when mixing.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to make creaming easier.
- You can substitute sprinkles with mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts if preferred.
- Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Keywords: Christmas Cookie Bars, Holiday Cookies, Festive Dessert, Easy Cookie Bars, Sprinkle Cookies
