Christmas Cookie Bars: 12 Easy Rich Chocolatey Delights.

Christmas Cookie Bars are my go-to holiday crowd-pleaser for busy families and professionals who want something luxe-looking but simple to bake. As a chef who jokes that I measure success by how many trays I can fill before the clock strikes bedtime, I crafted this recipe to deliver soft, buttery bars loaded with chocolate chips in about 30 minutes. It bakes in a 9×13-inch pan and yields 12 shareable pieces—perfect for cookie trays, potlucks, and gifting tins. Pantry staples, a quick mix, and a forgiving bake make this a lifesaver during chaotic holiday weeks. Ready to bake something truly festive without the fuss? Let’s dive in and savor the chocolatey richness.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

what make this Recipe special

Christmas Cookie Bars are my cozy answer to holiday baking chaos. I know time slips away, especially with busy schedules and long to-do lists. This recipe stays friendly to beginners and working pros alike. Soft butter, warm chocolate, and a quick mix keep the kitchen calm. Pantry staples mean fewer trips to the store. A 9×13 pan yields neat bars for gifting and trays. Flavors stay rich and chocolatey, while the process stays simple. Plus, the bars travel well, making them ideal for potlucks and tins. I love sharing them as a thoughtful gift with a handwritten tag.

Christmas Cookie Bars flavor profile

These bars are soft, buttery, and delightfully chocolatey with a chewy center. Each bite delivers a gentle vanilla note and pockets of melted chips. Edges stay slightly crisp, while the middle stays moist and rich. For a festive finish, dust with powdered sugar or sprinkles. The chocolate melts into little rivers that make trays look irresistible.

Why Christmas Cookie Bars fit busy schedules

This recipe shines because it balances speed with crowd-pleasing flavor. In one pan, you bake a dozen bars for parties or tins. Mixing uses butter, sugar, eggs, and flour you likely already have. They slice neatly, travel well, and stay moist for days. That means fewer last-minute kitchen scrambles and more time with family. And yes, they still look festive on a tray with sprinkles.

Ingredients

Here are the Christmas Cookie Bars ingredients you need to gather before you start. I like to set everything out on the counter so the mixer can hum, and I can keep moving during a busy day of holiday tasks.

Christmas Cookie Bars ingredients overview

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened — adds richness and a tender crumb
• 1 cup granulated sugar — sweet base that creams with butter
• 2 large eggs — bind the dough and help it set
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract — a warm, inviting aroma
• 2 cups all-purpose flour — provides structure and chew
• ½ tsp baking powder — lightens the texture for even bars
• ½ tsp salt — heightens chocolate and balances sweetness
• 1½ cups chocolate chips — pockets of melty chocolate
• Optional topping: festive sprinkles or powdered sugar — for a festive finish

(Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and printable.)

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars

Step 1 Prep and pan preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper for easy lift.

If you don’t have parchment, lightly grease the pan, but parchment keeps clean slices.

Step 2 Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Let the mixture become pale and airy; this creates tender bars.

Step 3 Add eggs and vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

Stir in vanilla until the fragrance fills the kitchen.

Step 4 Whisk dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

This dry mix blends evenly with the wet and keeps lumps away.

Step 5 Combine wet and dry; fold in chips

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips for even distribution.

Step 6 Spread the batter in the pan

Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.

Step 7 Bake 25–30 minutes; edges golden; center set

Bake 25–30 minutes, until edges are golden and the center is set.

Don’t overbake; the bars stay chewy and slice neatly.

Step 8 Cool completely; slice; add optional toppings

Cool completely on a rack before slicing.

Lift the slab with parchment for clean cuts.

Dust with sprinkles or powdered sugar if you like.

Tips for Success

• For Christmas Cookie Bars, bring all ingredients to room temperature to help them combine smoothly and avoid a streaky batter.
• Line the pan with parchment so the bars lift out cleanly, leaving neat, bakery-worthy slices.
• Avoid overmixing after adding dry ingredients; mix just until you see no flour pockets.
• Check for doneness by looking for edges that look golden and a center that’s just set, not dry.
• Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and keep every bar pristine.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan; parchment paper or foil for easy lift and clean slicing
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk; silicone spatula for folding and scraping
• Measuring cups and spoons; mixing bowls; a timer helps stay on track
• Parchment paper cutter or sharp knife for clean edges

Variations

• Swap in dark chocolate chips or a mix of semisweet and white chips.
• Add ½ cup chopped nuts for crunch.
• Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chips to make it vegan.
• Dust with powdered sugar or add holiday sprinkles for a festive look.
• Substitute a portion of flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor (note texture variation).

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Bars

As a busy home cook, I reach for Christmas Cookie Bars when a sweet moment must happen fast. They deliver familiar flavor with minimal effort, perfect for hectic weeks. They bake quickly, slice neatly, and stay moist enough to slide into gift tins without crumbling. The chocolatey bite feels luxe yet approachable, so I can wow guests or quietly spoil my family without spending hours in the kitchen on busy nights.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Cookie Bars shine on a simple, festive tray. Here are quick ideas to elevate the presentation.

• Serve with a glass of milk or cocoa.
• Pair with peppermint bark for a festive tray.
• Garnish with sprinkles or a dusting of sugar.
• Slice neatly and arrange on a holiday platter.

Make-Ahead and Gift-Worthy Christmas Cookie Bars

I love a dessert that travels as well as it tastes. When time is tight, Christmas Cookie Bars shine because you can prep ahead and still deliver that chunky chocolate goodness.

Here’s how I maximize make-ahead magic without losing chewiness or flair. First, you can whisk the wet and dry ingredients separately and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. The chill helps the batter stay neat in the pan and makes slicing later easier. When you’re ready to bake, a quick check of vanilla aroma is all you need before baking as directed.

Storing baked bars is a breeze. Once cooled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer keeping, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze for 2–3 months. If freezing, wrap bars individually or place them in a sturdy freezer tin to prevent freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes for best texture, or give them a brief warm moment in a low oven to wake the chocolate’s gloss.

Gift-ready packaging is the easiest path to holiday cheer. Cut the cooled slab into uniform squares and wrap each bar in parchment or wax paper. Nestle them in festive tins or cello bags with a quick bow. Include a small tag with bake time, storage notes, and best-by date. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of holiday sprinkles adds instant charm.

My secret tips: label contents and date, use parchment for clean lifts, and avoid overbaking so the centers stay soft and moist. Christmas Cookie Bars gleam in a tidy tin, making your holiday gifting feel effortless and thoughtful—even on your busiest weeks.

FAQs

Can Christmas Cookie Bars be made ahead?

Yes. For Christmas Cookie Bars, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready. Or bake once, cool completely, wrap, and refrigerate up to 3 days. If you want the chips to stay melty, rewarm slightly before serving. This keeps texture fresh and makes holiday prep stress-free.

Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Bars?

Absolutely. Freeze baked Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container for 2–3 months. Thaw at room temperature, or rewarm briefly to recapture that freshly baked feel. You can also freeze unbaked dough in a lined pan; slice after thawing and bake as directed.

Are there substitutions for dietary needs?

Yes. For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chips. Substitute whole-wheat or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, noting texture may vary. For reduced sugar, swap half the sugar with a low-sugar substitute or maple syrup. Keep in mind the batter’s texture may vary. Christmas Cookie Bars stay flexible, tasty, and friendly to various diets.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to 1 week. For gifting or sharing, wrap individual bars to maintain moisture and prevent staling.

Christmas Cookie Bars are my cozy confidant in a season of chaos. I love how this simple, buttery tray turns ordinary afternoons into a small celebration, with chocolate pockets that melt into smiles. In one pan, I bake warmth, shareable slices, and a holiday magic that travels beautifully in tins or bags. The recipe respects busy schedules without sacrificing depth of flavor, offering comfort you can taste in every chewy bite. When I gift these bars, I’m gifting time—minutes saved, memories made, and a sweet pause in a bustling day. Everyone tastes the joy, and I breathe easier every day.

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