Jolly Holiday Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe Delight

Christmas baking creates sweet memories that warm the heart, and these festive Christmas cookie bars bring delightful textures together in one irresistible treat.

Packed with holiday cheer, the cookie bars merge classic flavors that dance across your taste buds with delectable precision.

Rich chocolate chips and creamy vanilla blend seamlessly in this simple yet elegant dessert that celebrates seasonal joy.

Layers of buttery goodness meld into a soft, chewy base that crumbles perfectly with each bite.

Sprinkled with colorful holiday decorations, these bars turn an ordinary afternoon into a magical moment of indulgence.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these delicious bars that promise to become a cherished tradition at every holiday gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients for Sweet and Festive Christmas Cookie Bars

• Softened Butter: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind the cookie bars together, ensure it's at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp texture, choose pure white sugar for best results.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel flavor, look for fresh, soft brown sugar without hardened clumps.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure, select fresh eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile, use pure vanilla extract for the most authentic taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for the cookie bars, sift to remove any lumps for a smoother texture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bars rise and become tender, check freshness by testing their reactivity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors, use fine table salt for even distribution.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips: Add delightful pockets of chocolate throughout the bars, choose high-quality chips that melt well.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Brings festive color and whimsical texture, select sprinkles that are vibrant and fresh for maximum visual appeal.

Tools That Make Christmas Cookie Bars a Holiday Hit

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer or hand whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: Standard size for evenly spreading and baking cookie bars.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Spatula: Great for spreading dough evenly and smoothing the top.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients uniformly.
• Cooling rack (optional): Helps cookies cool faster after baking.

How to Bake and Cut Christmas Cookie Bars Just Right

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350 degrees and grab a baking pan. Line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Create the Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend butter with sugars until they look fluffy and light. Drop in eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in some vanilla for extra flavor.

• Mix Dry Components

In a separate bowl, toss together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly combine these with your butter mixture, stirring gently until everything looks smooth.

• Load Up with Goodies

Fold in chocolate chips and sprinkle some holiday cheer with colorful mix-ins. Spread the entire mixture evenly across your prepared pan, making sure it’s flat and even.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for about 22 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center looks set. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

• Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into delightful squares perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.

Flavor and Sprinkle Ideas for Christmas Cookie Bars

• Make these Christmas Cookie Bars shine with expert tips and delightful variations!
• Swap traditional sprinkles for themed seasonal colors like red, green, and white to match Christmas spirit. Mix different sizes and shapes of sprinkles for visual depth and extra festive flair.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive friends. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a completely plant-based version that still tastes incredible and maintains rich, indulgent flavor.
• Slightly underbake the bars for a gooey, soft center by removing them from the oven when edges are golden but middle still looks slightly soft. They'll continue cooking while cooling and develop perfect chewy texture.
• Experiment with mix-ins like crushed peppermint candy, chopped nuts, or cranberries to create unique flavor profiles that complement the classic chocolate base and add surprising texture elements.

Serve Christmas Cookie Bars with Cheer and Color

• Festive Cookie Platter Paradise: Arrange the bars on a decorative holiday tray with mini candy canes and fresh mint leaves for extra Christmas cheer.
• Holiday Cocoa Companion: Pair these delightful bars with warm peppermint hot chocolate or classic milk for a cozy treat that melts in your mouth.
• Gift-Worthy Delight: Package the bars in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons for a homemade gift that spreads sweet holiday joy to friends and neighbors.
• Dessert Table Stunner: Create a beautiful cookie display by varying the bar sizes and adding height with cake stands or tiered serving platters for a Pinterest-worthy presentation.

Storing Christmas Cookie Bars for Parties or Gifts

• Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture and prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, ensuring delicious treats are always ready.
• Keep bars fresh at cool room temperature for 3-4 days, covering loosely with plastic wrap to retain soft, chewy consistency.
• Prepare dough up to 2 days before baking, storing covered in refrigerator to develop richer flavor and save precious holiday preparation time.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap or mix chocolate chips like milk, dark, or peanut butter chips to customize the flavor and create your own unique version of the cookie bars.

• Are holiday sprinkles necessary for this recipe?

No, holiday sprinkles are optional. You can use regular rainbow sprinkles or skip them entirely if you prefer a more classic cookie bar look.

• How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. When you gently press the middle, it should feel firm but not wet. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

• Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Baked bars stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Iced Dandelion Chaga Latte Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Dandelion chaga latte brings earthy wisdom from forest floors to your morning ritual. Herbal notes dance with mushroom depth, offering wellness in each silky sip you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoons (1 teaspoons) roasted dandelion root (or 1 tea bag)
• 1 teaspoons (1 teaspoons) dried chaga chunks (or 1 tea bag)
• 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) water
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk of choice (oat, almond, dairy, etc.)

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 12 teaspoons (12 teaspoons) maple syrup or honey (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoons (¼ teaspoons) cinnamon (optional)

Serving Component:

• Ice cubes

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Instructions

1. Prepare a robust herbal infusion by gently simmering dandelion root and chaga in water, allowing the earthy flavors to steep and release their deep, complex essence for approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Carefully strain the herbal decoction, eliminating any plant remnants to ensure a smooth liquid base for the latte.
3. While the herbal liquid remains warm, introduce a touch of maple syrup or honey, stirring until completely integrated to create a harmonious sweetness.
4. Optional aromatic enhancement can be achieved by incorporating a whisper of ground cinnamon into the warm mixture.
5. Transfer the sweetened herbal brew to the refrigerator, allowing it to cool and develop its nuanced flavor profile for roughly 30 minutes or until thoroughly chilled.
6. Select a tall glass and generously fill it with ice cubes, creating a frosty foundation for the beverage.
7. Delicately pour the chilled herbal infusion over the ice, creating a mesmerizing cascade of deep amber liquid.
8. Complete the latte by gently streaming milk into the glass, allowing the layers to naturally blend and create a marbled effect.
9. Softly stir the components to marry the flavors, ensuring a uniform and refreshing drink.
10. For an elegant finishing touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a light dusting of ground cinnamon, transforming the beverage into a sensory experience.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting maple syrup or honey to suit your taste preferences.
• Experiment with alternative milk options like almond, oat, or coconut milk for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Use freshly foraged or high-quality organic dandelion root and chaga for the most robust and authentic herbal tea experience.
• Enhance the latte’s medicinal properties by allowing the tea to steep longer, extracting more nutrients from the chaga and dandelion root.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Drinks, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg