Festive Christmas Bars Recipe: A Holiday Favorite

Celebrate the season with these delightful Christmas Bars—chewy, buttery, and filled with festive flavors! Packed with white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and optional pecans, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones, these bars will add a festive sparkle to any occasion.

What Are Christmas Bars?

Christmas Bars are sweet, dessert squares made with a soft and chewy cookie base. They feature classic holiday flavors like white chocolate and cranberries, with optional pecans for crunch. Topped with colorful red and green sprinkles, these bars capture the magic of the holidays in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: Requires basic pantry ingredients and comes together quickly.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate.
• Festive Appeal: Perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or holiday dessert tables.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to store and freeze, making them ideal for early holiday prep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (175g) white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (65g) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans (optional)
• Red and green sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, whisking until fully combined.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

4. Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Adding the Mix-Ins

5. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and pecans if using.

Baking the Bars

6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the top with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving

8. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as-is or with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra holiday flair.
• Pair with a mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled wine for a cozy treat.
• Use these bars as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies and fudge.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water), and dairy-free white chocolate chips.
• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and add extra cranberries or white chocolate chips.
• Drizzle It: Finish the cooled bars with a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant touch.

FAQs

Can I substitute other dried fruits?

Yes, dried cherries or chopped dried apricots make great alternatives to cranberries.

Can I double the recipe?

Certainly! Simply use a larger pan (e.g., 12×16-inch) or bake in two 9×13-inch pans.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

These festive Christmas Bars are an irresistible holiday treat that everyone will love. With their chewy texture and bursts of cranberry and white chocolate, they’re as delicious as they are beautiful. Try them this season, and let the holiday baking magic begin!

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