There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking during the holidays, and these Christmas Cookie Bars bring that cozy feeling straight into your kitchen. Soft, chewy, and loaded with festive flavor, this recipe combines the best parts of classic cookies with the ease of a simple bar dessert. Whether you’re baking for a family movie night, a holiday party, or edible gifts for friends and neighbors, these bars fit right in with the joyful spirit of the season.
Instead of scooping dozens of cookies, you spread one rich, buttery dough into a pan and let the oven do the work. The result is a crowd-pleasing holiday treat that looks festive, tastes indulgent, and couldn’t be easier to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for busy holiday schedules with minimal prep and cleanup
- Soft, chewy texture with rich buttery flavor in every bite
n- Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins - Great for parties, cookie trays, and gift boxes
- Makes a generous batch that’s ideal for sharing
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened) – Creates a rich, tender base and classic cookie flavor
- Granulated sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and helps with structure
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed) – Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor
- Large eggs (2) – Bind the dough and add softness
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances all the sweet, festive flavors
- All-purpose flour (3 cups) – Forms the structure of the cookie bars
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon) – Helps the bars rise slightly for a soft bite
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon) – Adds tenderness and balance
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- Chocolate chips (2 cups) – Provide rich, melty pockets throughout the bars
- Chopped nuts (1 cup, optional) – Add crunch and texture
- Festive sprinkles (1/2 cup) – Give the bars a cheerful holiday finish
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides so the bars are easy to lift out after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create that soft, chewy texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bars dense instead of tender.
Add the Mix-Ins
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so every slice is loaded with flavor.
Spread and Bake
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the festive sprinkles over the surface. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool, Slice, and Serve
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Use fully softened butter for easier creaming and better texture
- Do not overbake; slightly soft centers keep the bars chewy
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices
- Line the pan well to prevent sticking and make removal easier
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Recipe Variations
- White Chocolate Cranberry Bars: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and add dried cranberries
- Holiday Spice Bars: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warm seasonal flavor
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts and add extra chocolate chips or sprinkles instead
- Chocolate Lover’s Bars: Mix in a combination of dark, milk, and semi-sweet chocolate chips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Christmas cookie bars on a festive platter with hot cocoa or coffee. They’re perfect alongside other holiday cookies, or wrapped individually as edible gifts. For extra flair, drizzle with melted chocolate or dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these Christmas cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for making ahead and stay fresh for several days.
How should I store cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can I freeze Christmas cookie bars?
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it may affect texture and moisture.
What other mix-ins work well?
Butterscotch chips, coconut flakes, or chopped dates are all delicious options.
Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready to indulge in the festive spirit with these Christmas Cookie Bars. They combine the best elements of cookies and bars into one rich, chewy, and crowd-pleasing holiday treat—perfect for parties, gifting, or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Bars can be frozen for longer storage; wrap tightly before freezing.
- Try variations with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or coconut flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Cookie Bars are everything you want in a holiday dessert: easy, festive, and irresistibly delicious. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, and making sweet memories in the kitchen during the most wonderful time of the year. Give them a try, customize them with your favorite mix-ins, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends. If you make this recipe, let others know how it turned out and spread a little holiday cheer.
