The Best Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive treat that combines all the flavors of the holiday season! With gooey caramels, crunchy pretzels, melty chocolate, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Mix-Ins: A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy with customizable add-ins.
• Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and only 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for holiday cookie exchanges or festive gatherings.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Base

• Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup, melted for a rich, buttery flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar: ¾ cup for a soft texture and a hint of molasses.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup for sweetness.
• Eggs: 1 whole egg + 1 extra yolk, adding a touch of richness.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for flavor.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and stay soft.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon to balance sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for structure. If the dough is too runny, add up to an additional ¼ cup.

Mix-Ins (2 cups total)

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: ½ cup for a classic chocolate touch.
• Red & Green M&M’s: ½ cup for a festive pop of color.
• Pretzels: ½ cup, broken, for a salty crunch.
• Chewy Caramels: ½ cup, chopped into small pieces, for gooey pockets of caramel.
• Holiday Sprinkles: 2 tablespoons for decoration.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramels

Chop each caramel into smaller pieces, about 8 pieces per caramel, so they melt nicely into the bars.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt ¾ cup unsalted butter. Allow it to cool slightly if it’s too hot; warm butter helps combine ingredients without causing a greasy texture.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter. Stir with a spatula until combined. Mix in the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring until there are no streaks of flour left. If the dough feels too runny, let it sit for a few minutes or add an additional ¼ cup flour.

Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, pretzel pieces, caramel pieces, and sprinkles, reserving a few to press on top for decoration if desired.

Step 7: Press into Pan

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Press additional mix-ins on top if you saved any.

Step 8: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. For a chewier texture, avoid overbaking.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Place the baking pan on a cooling rack and let the bars cool completely before slicing. Cut into squares or bite-sized pieces as desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cool Before Slicing: Let the bars cool fully in the pan for clean slices.
• Add More Flour if Needed: If your dough feels overly runny, add an extra ¼ cup flour.
• Customize Your Mix-Ins: Use any combination of chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to make them your own.

How to Serve

Serve these bars as part of a holiday cookie platter, paired with hot chocolate or coffee, or individually wrapped for gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

• To Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Allow bars to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use different chocolate?

Yes! Substitute with milk, dark, or white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.

2. How do I keep my bars from becoming greasy?

Ensure your butter isn’t too hot when combining it with the sugars, as hot butter can create a greasy texture.

3. How do I avoid overbaking?

Bake just until the edges are golden and the center is no longer wet. The bars will firm up as they cool.

4. Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for extra crunch.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, combining all the best flavors of the season in one easy, shareable dessert. Make a batch for your next holiday gathering, and enjoy every festive, gooey bite!

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