Looking for a dessert that screams holiday cheer but is easy to whip up? These Christmas Cookie Bars are here to save the day! They’re buttery, chewy, and bursting with festive flavors. Think of them as a cross between your favorite cookie and a dessert bar. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just cozying up by the fireplace with a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Festive and colorful: These bars are packed with red and green sprinkles, making them a visual delight!
Quick and easy: No rolling out dough or cutting out shapes—just mix, bake, and slice.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves cookies, but these bars take it to the next level.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour
Butter (softened for that dreamy texture)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar (for a touch of caramel-like sweetness)
Festive sprinkles and mini chocolate chips

Full list of ingredients and measurements is in the recipe card below!

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.
Slowly add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the sprinkles and chocolate chips.
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
Don’t overmix the dough—this keeps the bars soft and chewy.
Press extra sprinkles on top before baking for a festive look.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap out sprinkles for crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
Add white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free flour to make these bars celiac-friendly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve these cookie bars with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a creamy eggnog latte, or even a dollop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a holiday punch or spiced mulled wine for adults.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Enjoy them at room temperature, or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They stay fresh for days, making them a great make-ahead option.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.

Q: What’s the best way to slice the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut for neat slices.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt by half.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and so delicious. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or enjoying them with loved ones, they’re sure to spread holiday joy. So, grab your sprinkles and let’s get baking!