Description
This Best Christmas Cookie Bars recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional cookies, baked to golden perfection with a chewy center and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars combine rich chocolate chips with a buttery, tender dough, delivering a festive treat that’s easy to make and share.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent the cookie bars from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles: Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and festive sprinkles to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Spread Dough: Transfer and spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookie bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to maintain tender cookie bars.
- Use festive sprinkles to add a holiday touch; you can substitute with nuts or dried fruit if preferred.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
