If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that combines the ease of a bar cookie with all the joy of holiday flavors, this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Imagine buttery cookie layers studded with chocolate chips and pops of red and green sprinkles, then topped with a luscious vanilla glaze—each bite bursting with holiday spirit and warmth. It’s perfect for sharing at parties, gifting to neighbors, or sneaking a few yourself when no one’s looking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your Christmas tradition rotation forever!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create a perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and festive color. Each one plays a key role: butter brings that melt-in-your-mouth texture, sugars sweeten and caramelize beautifully, and the sprinkles give that unmistakable holiday cheer visually and in every bite.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for that soft, chewy cookie texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the bars.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and keep the bars tender.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your bars; gives them that classic cookie crumb.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Adds a little lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet): Provides melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles: Festive and fun, they turn simple bars into a holiday centerpiece.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: For the glaze, adding richness and a smooth finish.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweet and silky base for the icing glaze.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Gives the glaze a gentle vanilla flavor.
- 1-2 tbsp milk: Adjust to reach the perfect glaze consistency—neither too runny nor too thick.
- Extra sprinkles for topping: Adds that final festive pop that makes these bars irresistible.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aerates the dough and ensures a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract to infuse that cozy holiday scent. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Remember not to overmix; this keeps the bars tender rather than tough.
Step 2: Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the red and green sprinkles. These little bursts of color and gooey chocolate are what make this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe so special and festive. The batter will be thick and inviting—perfect for pressing into your baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Bars
Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is crucial for the bars to bake uniformly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell drifting from the oven at this point? Pure holiday magic.
Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
While the bars cool slightly, whip up the glaze by beating the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to create a smooth, spreadable icing. Spread this over the warm bars before they cool completely so the glaze gets slightly absorbed, adding a luscious layer of sweetness on top.
Step 5: Decorate with Extra Sprinkles
Finish by generously sprinkling extra red and green sprinkles over the glaze. This final touch turns these bars into a festive showstopper, dazzling friends and family with color and charm.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bars even further, consider dusting some powdered sugar over the top for a snowy effect or adding a few crushed peppermint candies for a minty crunch. Both options add visual appeal and flavor contrasts that guests will adore. The glaze already provides sweetness, so something slightly tart or minty can be a nice surprise.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a hot cup of cocoa or a freshly brewed pot of coffee or tea. The rich, buttery cookie flavors pair beautifully with warm drinks, making for a cozy holiday afternoon treat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can effortlessly transform this into a festive dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual bars in festive cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons to gift neighbors or coworkers. Alternatively, arrange the bars on a pretty holiday-themed platter with some evergreen sprigs or cranberries for a stunning centerpiece. Presentation matters, especially when spreading holiday cheer with a homemade treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to five days, making them perfect for baking in advance of holiday gatherings. Keeping them airtight prevents the glaze from drying out and keeps the bars delightfully chewy.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bars to enjoy later or to prepare ahead of time for busy holidays. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When it’s time to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars a little warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, but be careful not to melt the glaze completely. Warming brings out the melty goodness of the chocolate chips and makes these bars feel even more like a fresh-from-the-oven cookie experience.
FAQs
Can I use different sprinkles for this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While red and green sprinkles are traditional and festive, feel free to swap in your favorite colors or shapes to suit your style or occasion. Just make sure they’re edible and stable under heat.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key for the rich flavor and texture of these bars, but if needed, you could try margarine. However, oil is not recommended as it would make the bars too greasy and affect the structure.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips? Can I use chopped chocolate?
Definitely! Chopped chocolate works wonderfully, especially if you want larger pockets of melty chocolate. Just watch baking time as chunks might melt differently than chips.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes! This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a great option for parties where allergies are a concern. Just be sure to check your sprinkles and chocolate chips for any cross-contamination warnings if serving to sensitive guests.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Using a blend formulated for cookies or bars usually yields the best outcome.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this delicious Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe in your holiday baking arsenal, I hope you’ll have as much fun making and sharing it as I do. It’s a delightful crowd-pleaser that brings festive colors, comforting flavors, and buttery goodness all into one perfect treat. Whether for gift-giving, a holiday party, or just a cozy night by the fire, these bars truly capture the spirit of the season. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Christmas Cookie Bars recipe combines classic cookie flavors with festive colors, creating a perfect holiday treat. Soft, buttery cookie bars studded with chocolate chips and festive red and green sprinkles are topped with a creamy vanilla frosting and extra sprinkles, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or a cozy family dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles
Vanilla Frosting
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to reach desired consistency)
- Extra sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips and 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles gently to distribute them evenly.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Vanilla Frosting: While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating together 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk gradually until you reach the desired spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the vanilla frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle additional red and green sprinkles over the frosting to give a festive holiday appearance. Slice into bars to serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For chewier bars, do not overbake; start checking at 25 minutes.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for variation.
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If you want a thicker frosting, add less milk; for thinner frosting, add more carefully.
