Introduction

Buttery, chewy, and filled with warm vanilla aroma, Christmas Cookie Bars capture everything we love about holiday baking in one easy-to-make treat. These festive bars combine the nostalgic flavor of classic cookies with the convenience of a slice-and-serve dessert, making them perfect for busy December days. Whether you crave soft centers, crisp edges, or colorful toppings, Christmas Cookie Bars deliver irresistible texture and flavor in every bite. This recipe stands out because it feels homemade, looks festive, and feeds a crowd with ease. You’ll learn how to create bakery-style Christmas Cookie Bars with simple ingredients and foolproof steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Cookie Bars shine because they offer maximum holiday joy with minimal effort. Instead of rolling dough or baking multiple trays, you press everything into one pan and let the oven do the work. The texture contrast makes these bars special: soft and chewy in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and studded with chocolate or festive sprinkles for visual appeal. These holiday cookie bars adapt easily to your taste, so you can make them rich and chocolatey or light and buttery. They also slice cleanly, which makes them perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or gifting. If you love classic cookies but want less cleanup, Christmas Cookie Bars are your new go-to treat.

Ingredients

To make rich and chewy Christmas Cookie Bars, you need simple pantry staples with precise measurements. Use 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened, for a creamy base. Add 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar for balanced sweetness and moisture. Use 2 large eggs at room temperature for structure. Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons (10 ml), adds warm aroma. All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups (280 g), forms the dough, while 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder ensures lift. Salt, 1/2 teaspoon (3 g), sharpens flavor. Finish with 1 1/2 cups (255 g) chocolate chips or holiday candy for festive flair.

Pro Tips

Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars rely on a few smart techniques. First, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step traps air and ensures soft, bakery-style texture. Second, avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Stir just until combined to keep the bars tender. Third, line your baking pan with parchment paper and leave an overhang. This trick makes removal effortless and keeps clean edges intact. For extra flavor, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking. That short rest deepens taste and improves structure. These small details turn simple holiday cookie bars into show-stopping treats.

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and pale. This step sets the foundation for soft Christmas Cookie Bars.

Step 3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 5
Fold in chocolate chips or festive candy pieces. Use a spatula to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 6
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for uniform baking.

Step 7
Bake for 22 to 26 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and the center looks set but soft. Avoid overbaking for chewy results.

Step 8
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Lift them out using the parchment paper, then slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy.

Variations

You can customize Christmas Cookie Bars to suit any holiday table. For a chocolate lover’s version, swap half the flour for cocoa powder and add white chocolate chips. To create festive holiday cookie bars, mix in red and green M&M-style candies or sprinkles. For a lighter option, use half whole wheat flour for subtle nuttiness. Gluten-free bakers can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with excellent results. These variations keep the base recipe flexible while maintaining that signature chewy texture everyone loves.

Storage/Serving

Store Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for three months. To serve, arrange them on a holiday platter with powdered sugar dusting for a festive touch. Warm them slightly and pair with hot cocoa or coffee for cozy evenings. You can also package individual bars in cellophane bags for thoughtful homemade gifts that travel well.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars taste even better the next day and store well.

How do I know when they’re done?
Look for golden edges and a set center that feels soft.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce total sugar by 1/4 cup without affecting texture too much.

What pan size works best?
A 9×13-inch pan ensures even thickness and baking.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Conclusion

This Christmas Cookie Bars recipe is comfort food at its finest — buttery, chewy, and filled with nostalgic holiday flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the dessert table, sparks conversation, and disappears fast at parties. With simple steps and flexible variations, these bars fit busy schedules while still feeling special. Bake a batch, share generously, and let Christmas Cookie Bars become a cherished part of your holiday tradition.