Holiday Cookie Bar Delight

© Original recipe by Golden Whisk Co. ©

🎉🍪 Festive Flavors: The Ultimate Holiday Cookie Bar Delight!

1. Introduction

Welcome to the world of Christmas cookie bars—an irresistible treat that combines the warm, spicy aroma of holiday spices with the sweet crunch of buttery cookie crust. If you’re looking for a simple yet spectacular dessert for your holiday gatherings, this holiday cookie bars recipe is your new go-to. Crispy edges, gooey center, and an abundance of festive toppings make these festive cookie sheet treats a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into how you can create this luscious dessert that truly embodies the spirit of the season.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 30 mins — Perfect for last-minute holiday parties.
• One-pan simplicity — Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Customize with toppings — Add nuts, candies, or holiday sprinkles for a personal touch.
• Great for gifting — Wrap in decorative tins or cellophane for a thoughtful homemade present.

3. Ingredient Notes

Creating the perfect Christmas cookie bars starts with quality ingredients. Use unsalted butter for a rich, tender crust, and opt for high-quality chocolate chips or festive candies to elevate the flavors. For a more intense holiday flavor, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into your cookie base. Vanilla extract should be pure for that aromatic sweetness, and if you like a nutty crunch, walnuts or pecans work beautifully—just toast them lightly beforehand for extra aroma.

4. Kitchen Tools You Need

To achieve that perfectly even, golden-brown crust, a reliable T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set makes baking a breeze. For mixing and handling the dough, a sturdy stand mixer like the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer provides powerful performance and consistency. Once baked, the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer can be used to crisp up your treats if desired, adding that crispy edge to your cookie bars.

5. How to Make Holiday Cookie Bar Delight

Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal. The aroma of melting butter and vanilla will fill your kitchen early on.

Create the Cookie Base

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add in an egg and blend until smooth. Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. The dough should be soft but firm enough to press into the pan. Spread it evenly, pressing lightly with a spatula.

Bake the Base

Bake the cookie crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown and smells of warm vanilla and caramelized sugar. It should be firm yet tender to the touch.

Add Toppings and Finish Baking

Once cooled slightly, sprinkle generously with chocolate chips, colorful candies, or holiday sprinkles. Gently press toppings into the dough. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the chocolate slightly, creating a luscious topping. Let it cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

6. Expert Tips for Success

Use room temperature butter to ensure a smooth, even dough. Don’t overmix after adding flour—this helps keep your cookie bars tender and crumbly. For even baking, rotate your pan halfway through baking. If toppings aren’t sticking as you’d like, press them gently into the warm surface just after baking. To get tidy slices, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

7. Variations & Substitutions

If you have dietary considerations, substitute gluten-free flour or almond flour in the base. For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. For added spice, sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the dough or toppings. You can also swap candies with crushed peppermint or mini candy canes for a wintery twist.

8. Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To keep them fresh, layer with parchment paper. Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer them warm or crisp up the edges in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. For an extra crispy texture, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 serves as a quick reheating option.

9. FAQ

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake and assemble the bars a day in advance. Keep them covered tightly at room temperature or refrigerated, and add toppings just before serving.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Line your baking dish with parchment paper generously; this makes removal easy and clean. Using a nonstick spray before pressing the dough also helps.

What are some creative topping ideas?

Think crushed peppermint candies, chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or colorful holiday sprinkles to add visual appeal and flavor.

Are these bars suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, if you substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend, these festive cookie sheet treats can be enjoyed by gluten intolerant guests.

10. Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and delightful crunch of festive cookie sheet treats during the holidays. This Holiday Cookie Bar Delight combines simplicity with a burst of holiday cheer, making it a perfect addition to your celebration menu or a heartfelt gift. With just a few ingredients and basic tools, you can create a show-stopping dessert that embodies the spirit of the season. Happy baking!

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