Jolly Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: A Festive Sweet Treat

Sweet memories flood back with these christmas cookie bars that melt hearts faster than snowflakes in sunlight.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe whispers tales of holiday warmth and comfort.

Festive gatherings always feel more magical when these delectable treats emerge from the kitchen.

Buttery layers promise a delightful blend of nostalgia and sugary bliss.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect harmony that beckons everyone to the dessert table.

The aroma alone will draw people closer, tempting them with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

Baking these bars means spreading joy, one delicious square at a time – so preheat that oven and let the celebration begin!

Why Cake Mix Christmas Cookies Are the Easiest Holiday Win

• Easy Festive Baking
• Minimal steps and simple ingredients mean you can create these delightful bars in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy holiday bakers.
• Chocolate chips and sprinkles make these bars appealing to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone enjoys a sweet treat during celebrations.
• No complicated decorating or cutting required- just spread, bake, and slice into uniform squares that look professionally made with zero extra effort.
• Adaptable recipe allows for customization with different sprinkle colors or chocolate variations, making it a go-to dessert for multiple holiday events and gatherings.

What You Need for Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

• Butter, Sugar, Brown Sugar: Soft, sweet foundation that creates a rich, tender cookie bar base. Unsalted butter works best for controlled sweetness.
• Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Binding agents that add moisture and deep flavor. Fresh eggs ensure better texture.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt: Essential structure and leavening components. Sifted flour prevents lumps and ensures smooth mixing.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, White Chocolate Chips, Holiday Sprinkles: Festive additions that provide texture, color, and classic Christmas cookie flavor. Choose high-quality chocolate chips for best results. Seasonal sprinkles add visual appeal and holiday spirit.

How to Make Festive Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Heat the oven to 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. Crack eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and stir until smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently whisk these ingredients until well incorporated. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Load with Delicious Mix-ins

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• White chocolate chips
• Holiday sprinkles

Stir gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Spread and Decorate

Transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly, creating a smooth surface. Sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles across the top for extra festive flair.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set. The bars should have a slight wobble when gently shaken.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between each slice.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the cookie bars on a festive plate. Serve alongside hot cocoa or as part of a holiday dessert spread. Watch as friends and family devour these delightful treats!

Tips to Perfect Your Cake Mix Cookie Game

• Customize Sprinkle Selection: Choose holiday-themed or color-coordinated sprinkles to match your festive mood, adding a personalized touch to the cookie bars.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch the edges carefully during baking; they should be golden but not dark, ensuring a soft and chewy texture throughout the bars.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing, which helps create a smoother, more consistent dough and promotes even baking.
• Storage Secret: Keep bars fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these delightful bars accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Keeping Your Christmas Cookies Fresh and Soft

• Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, preserving their yummy texture.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying their soft, sweet goodness.
• Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 5 minutes to restore that just-baked warmth and softness.

What to Serve with Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

• Indulge in rich, velvety hot chocolate that complements the sweet chocolate chips and creates a cozy Christmas moment.
• Brew a festive coffee drink with peppermint and chocolate notes that mirror the cookie bars' holiday spirit and delightful flavors.
• Add a cold, creamy scoop alongside these warm bars to create a delicious temperature contrast and enhance the dessert's sweetness.
• Sip a warmly spiced tea that balances the cookie bars' richness and adds a comforting holiday touch to the dessert experience.

Flavor Mix-Ins for Your Cake Mix Cookies

• Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Christmas Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Nutty Holiday Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into batter for extra crunch and rich seasonal flavor profile.

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas Cookie Bars bring holiday cheer with layers of buttery sweetness and seasonal spices. Chocolate chips and sprinkled sugar create a delightful dessert you’ll savor long after the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed

Chocolate and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (170g) white chocolate chips or chunks
• ½ cup (80g) red and green holiday sprinkles
• Extra sprinkles, for topping

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and creating a non-stick surface in a 9×13-inch pan using parchment paper or grease.
2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a light, airy texture.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then infuse with vanilla extract for rich flavor.
4. Develop the dry foundation by whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate vessel until uniformly combined.
5. Merge wet and dry ingredients gently, stirring just until incorporated to maintain a tender texture.
6. Enhance the mixture by delicately folding semi-sweet and white chocolate chips along with vibrant holiday sprinkles throughout the dough.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
8. Embellish the top with an additional scattering of festive sprinkles for visual appeal.
9. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden edges and a set center.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, enabling them to firm up and become easily sliceable.
11. Divide into 16-20 squares, presenting a delightful holiday treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Notes

• Swap chocolate chips for dried cranberries or chopped nuts to create different flavor profiles and accommodate dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture or taste.
• Reduce sugar by 25% and substitute some butter with Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier alternative that maintains moisture.
• Ensure butter and eggs are room temperature for smoother mixing and more consistent cookie bar texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 73mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 32mg