Christmas Cookie Bars
Delight in chewy, festive cookie bars loaded with chocolate chips and optional nuts. Perfect holiday treats with a rich flavor ideal for gatherings and gift-giving.
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
- 2 Mixing bowls medium and large
- 1 wire rack for cooling
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional
- 1/2 cup festive sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, nuts if using, and any other desired mix-ins evenly.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature up to one week.
- Freeze tightly wrapped bars in an airtight container for longer storage.
- Substitute mix-ins with white chocolate chips, butterscotch, or coconut flakes for variation.