Soft Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug during the holiday season, this Soft Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is just what you need. These bars bring together the nostalgic charm of classic chocolate chip cookies but with a thick, tender bar form that’s impossibly soft and packed with melty chocolate chips. They’re the perfect festive treat to share with family and friends, bringing a cozy sweetness to any celebration or quiet winter afternoon. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Soft Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe lies not just in its delightful taste but also in the simplicity of the ingredients. Every item plays a key role: the butter creates that rich, soft texture, the brown sugar lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness, and the vanilla extract adds a warm aroma, making this dessert irresistibly inviting.

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a luscious, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel taste that keeps the bars soft.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the perfect texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the softness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the cookie bars.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure without toughness.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the bars slightly, keeping them light.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors for perfect balance.
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips: The star element for melty, gooey chocolate pockets throughout.

How to Make Soft Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or greasing it well. This step ensures your cookie bars bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking, setting the stage for that perfect soft texture.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir them together until smooth and creamy. This blend is crucial because the melted butter and sugars combine to create a smooth, rich base that makes the bars tender and chewy rather than cakey or dry.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract. These ingredients contribute moisture and help carry that wonderful vanilla aroma throughout the entire batch.

Step 4: Stir in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—overmixing can make the bars tough. Once your batter looks perfectly mixed but not overworked, fold in the chocolate chips to ensure they’re evenly distributed for pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes. The bars should look set but still soft in the middle when you gently press on the surface. This baking time locks in the thickness and softness that make these bars irresistible.

Step 6: Cool Before Cutting

Once out of the oven, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This cooling step is essential because it lets the bars firm up just enough to cut cleanly while keeping that soft, chewy texture intact.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To give your Soft Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe a festive touch, sprinkle a few crushed peppermint candies or edible gold glitter on top before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy holiday look and an extra hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk for the perfect comforting duo. They also complement holiday coffees or festive cocktails beautifully, making them versatile for snack time or dessert at any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking the bars on a tiered serving tray adorned with small Christmas ornaments or fresh evergreen sprigs for an inviting holiday centerpiece. Wrapping individual bars in festive parchment paper tied with ribbon also makes delightful edible gifts for friends and colleagues.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and you just might!), store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their moisture so the bars remain soft and delicious, perfect for quick snacks or last-minute desserts.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight at room temperature—fresh and soft just like newly baked.

Reheating

For that “just baked” feel, warm your bars slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This melts the chocolate chips again and makes the bars wonderfully soft and comforting, as if you just pulled them from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid oversalting. Salted butter can vary in salt content, so it’s best to adjust accordingly for balance.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal for this recipe, giving just the right balance of sweet and rich chocolate flavor. However, feel free to mix in dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure and adjust the baking time as needed.

How do I keep the bars soft and not dry?

The key is not overbaking. Remove the bars from the oven when they still look slightly soft in the center and allow them to cool completely to set. Proper storage also helps keep them moist.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries make excellent additions that complement the chocolate and add festive texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Soft Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe that makes holiday baking feel special and joyful. It’s easy, reliable, and yields a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will adore. So gather your ingredients, warm up the oven, and share a batch with your loved ones — this recipe will become a treasured tradition in no time!

Print