Name: Christmas Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 275 g plain flour; 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp cornflour; 1 tsp cinnamon; 115 g unsalted butter (melted); 55 g granulated sugar; 135 g light brown sugar; 1 medium egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200 g red/green/brown M&Ms (for decoration); 150 g milk chocolate chips

Introduction to Christmas Cookie Bars

Why Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive favorite

As the holiday season approaches, the warmth of festive baking fills our homes with delightful aromas and cherished memories. Enter the Christmas Cookie Bars—a delicious twist on traditional cookies that embody the spirit of the holidays.

These bars are not only easy to make, but they also eliminate the hassle of rolling and cutting dough, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating with loved ones. With their vibrant red, green, and brown M&Ms, these cookie bars are visually appealing, making them an instant hit at any gathering. Whether you're bringing a sweet treat to a holiday party or simply indulging during a cozy night in, these bars are festive, fun, and sure to impress.

Plus, the combination of soft, chewy texture and rich chocolate makes each bite a celebration of festive flavors. Did we mention they last for up to five days in an airtight container? Just try not to eat them all at once! If you want to elevate your holiday cookie game, baking some Christmas Cookie Bars might just be the sweetest solution.

For more easy and festive recipes, check out Epicurious and AllRecipes for inspiration!

Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars

Getting ready to create your delicious Christmas Cookie Bars? Let’s ensure you have everything you need! Below is a list of the ingredients that will transform your holiday baking into a delightful experience.

275 g plain flour: This forms the base of your bars for that perfect chewy texture.
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda: Essential for helping your bars rise and achieve that perfect fluffiness.
½ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch will enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
1 tablespoon cornflour: This gives the bars a tender texture—trust me, it makes a difference!
1 teaspoon cinnamon: For that warm, festive aroma that reminds you of Christmas.
115 g unsalted butter: Melted and rich, it’s the heart of your cookies.
55 g granulated sugar and 135 g light brown sugar: The duo here provides the right sweetness and depth of flavor.
1 medium egg: It helps bind everything together beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because who doesn’t love a touch of vanilla in their baked goods?
200 g red/green/brown M&Ms: For that festive crunch and color.
150 g milk chocolate chips: For a melty, gooey surprise in every bite.

Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or just treating yourself, knowing the exact ingredients is key to creating the perfect Christmas Cookie Bars. If you want to measure your ingredients accurately, check out some of these conversion tools. Happy baking!

Preparing Christmas Cookie Bars

Making Christmas Cookie Bars is a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit and share treats with loved ones. These bars are not only easy to prepare, but they also fill your home with warm, inviting aromas. Let's dive into the steps that will guide you through this festive baking adventure!

Preheat your oven and prepare the baking pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 190C (170C for fan ovens). This ensures your Christmas Cookie Bars are baked evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9x9 inch square baking tin and line it with parchment paper—this little step prevents any sticking mishaps, making for easier cutting later on. Trust me, a clean release is a baker’s best friend!

Combine dry ingredients for a perfectly balanced flavor

Now that your oven is ready, it's time to focus on those essential dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 275 g of plain flour, 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of cornflour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk these together until they’re evenly mixed. This not only ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, but it also helps in achieving that soft, chewy texture that makes Christmas Cookie Bars so irresistible.

Melt the butter and mix it with sugars

In another bowl, melt 115 g of unsalted butter until it's just liquid, but not bubbling. Once melted, add 55 g of granulated sugar and 135 g of light brown sugar. Whisk these together for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial as it adds a wonderful creaminess to your cookie bars. Now, gently mix in 1 medium egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you achieve a consistent blend.

Create the cookie dough mixture

Next, it’s time to unite the two mixtures. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. This is where you can add a fun twist—toss in 200 g of red, green, and brown M&Ms (save a handful for decoration) along with 150 g of chocolate chips. Use a spatula to mix until a thick, cookie dough forms. The vibrant colors of the M&Ms make this dough look as festive as it tastes!

Bake to golden perfection and let cool

Now it’s time to press your glorious cookie dough into the prepared baking tin evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle those reserved M&Ms on top for the final festive touch. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top looks set and dry. Once done, let your Christmas Cookie Bars cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. When they’re cool, cut them into squares.

Baking these bars is not just about the taste; it’s about creating memories in the kitchen. Enjoy every bite! For more tips on baking and festive recipes, check out resources like King Arthur Baking for additional inspiration.

Variations on Christmas Cookie Bars

Festive M&M Alternatives

Have some fun with your Christmas Cookie Bars by swapping out the traditional M&Ms. Consider using festive chocolate-covered fruits like cherries or blueberries for a fruity twist, or go classic with some crushed candy canes for a minty kick. You could even mix in seasonal-themed chocolates, such as caramel-filled treats, to surprise your taste buds. When choosing your toppings, remember that the color and texture can elevate your bars' holiday appeal!

Substituting with Nuts and Dried Fruits

For a heartier option, try substituting some of the chocolate components with nuts and dried fruits. Walnuts or pecans add a festive crunch, while dried cranberries or apricots impart a lovely sweetness. Not only do these additions enhance flavor, but they also contribute to the nutritional value of your Christmas Cookie Bars. If you’re unsure how to start, a good rule of thumb is replacing half of your chocolate chips with nuts and fruits for that perfect balance.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Christmas Cookie Bars

Baking Christmas Cookie Bars is a delightful way to spread festive cheer! Here are some handy tips for a successful batch:

Choosing Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolates and M&Ms for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference!
Mixing Well: Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined; this ensures your bars are perfectly chewy without being tough.
Decoration: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Consider using chopped nuts or festive sprinkles alongside your M&Ms for a holiday twist.
Storage Tips: Keep your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. For a cozy treat, warm a bar in the microwave, and enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot cocoa.

Need more guidance? Check out additional resources on cookie bar baking techniques!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cookie Bars

When it comes to showcasing your delightful Christmas Cookie Bars, there are countless ways to elevate their festive appeal. Here are some suggestions that will wow your guests and make every bite unforgettable:

Pair with a Cozy Beverage: Consider serving these treats alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate or spiced apple cider. The sweetness of the cookie bars complements these beverages perfectly, enhancing your holiday vibe.
Add Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve a warm slice of your cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The combination of warm and cold will create a delightful experience.
Garnish with Festive Toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate on top or sprinkle with edible glitter to make them extra festive. A pinch of sea salt can also amplify the flavors wonderfully.

If you’d like to explore more ways to enjoy these Christmas Cookie Bars, check out this guide on dessert pairings.

Time Breakdown for Christmas Cookie Bars

Preparation Time

Setting aside about 15 minutes should be more than enough to gather your ingredients and mix the dough. Don’t rush through this part; take your time to enjoy the process! It adds to the holiday spirit.

Baking Time

Once your dough is ready, pop it into the oven for approximately 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it — the magic happens when the top looks beautifully dry and golden.

Total Time

In total, you're looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish, which means these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars can be ready in a jiffy. Perfect for any last-minute holiday gathering!

For more tips on baking essentials, visit King Arthur Baking for inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Christmas Cookie Bars

When diving into the delightful world of Christmas Cookie Bars, it helps to know what you’re indulging in. These bars are a festive treat, and here's a quick nutrition snapshot to guide your enjoyment:

Calories: Approximately 200 calories per bar, making them a sweet but moderately indulgent snack.
Protein: Each bar contains around 2.5 grams of protein, thanks to the egg and the chocolate chips, providing a tiny boost to your snack.
Sodium: With about 150 mg of sodium per serving, they fit nicely into your holiday treat allowance!

For more detailed nutritional facts, feel free to explore resources like the USDA FoodData Central to better understand ingredients that spark joy in your holiday season. With every bite of these Christmas Cookie Bars, you’re blending tradition with taste!

FAQs about Christmas Cookie Bars

How can I make my Christmas Cookie Bars chewier?
To enhance the chewiness of your Christmas Cookie Bars, try using more brown sugar than granulated sugar, as brown sugar contains molasses that adds moisture. You could also slightly underbake them; this keeps the center gooey and soft. Finally, adding a tablespoon of milk or cream to the batter can also improve that fantastic chewy texture.

What are the best ways to store Christmas Cookie Bars?
To keep your Christmas Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate them, though they may lose some of their original texture. Want to keep them even longer? Consider freezing them! Just wrap each bar individually before placing them in a freezer bag.

Can I make these Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie bars a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you’d rather prepare the dough ahead of time, you can refrigerate it for several days or freeze it for up to three months. This flexibility makes it easy to enjoy during the busy holiday season!

For more tips on cookie storage and baking, check out this helpful resource.

Conclusion on Christmas Cookie Bars

In conclusion, Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful addition to your holiday festivities. They blend the joy of cookies with the ease of a traybake, making them perfect for gatherings. With vibrant M&Ms and rich chocolate, they're bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking!