Description

These Soft & Chewy Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive holiday favorite, combining a tender, buttery base with chocolate chips, nuts, and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting, these easy-to-make bars deliver a chewy texture and a delightful sweetness that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins

2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Decoration

1/2 cup festive sprinkles (for decoration)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookie bars.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensure tenderness.
Add the Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Spread the Batter in the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to the edges and smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cookie Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden.
Cool the Cookie Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut and Serve: Once fully cooled, cut the cookie bars into 24 squares or rectangles. Decorate the top with festive sprinkles if desired, and serve.

Notes

Storage Instructions: Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Freezing Options: For longer storage, wrap cookie bars tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container, and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variation Ideas: Try using different mix-ins such as white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or shredded coconut for a twist on the classic flavor.
Preparation Tips: Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cookie bars soft and chewy.
Baking Notes: Oven temperatures may vary; check bars a few minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.