Christmas Bars

Here’s a delightful recipe for Christmas Bars that will fill your home with the festive spirit and sweet aromas. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with family and friends. Made with a buttery base and loaded with chocolate chips, each bite brings a comforting taste that captures the essence of the season.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 24 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 210
• Protein: 2g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 28g per serving
• Fat: 10g per serving
• Fiber: 1g per serving
• Sugar: 12g per serving
• Sodium: 75mg per serving

Why Make This Christmas Bars

Christmas Bars are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors and joy. The combination of butter, sugars, and chocolate makes these bars irresistibly rich and chewy. They’re perfect for holiday parties, as they can easily feed a crowd, and their festive taste will certainly delight everyone. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities.

How to Make Christmas Bars

Preparing your Christmas Bars requires just a few steps and simple ingredients. Here’s a walkthrough to guide you through the baking process.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent your delicious bars from sticking.

Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Adding Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for that wonderful chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Spreading and Baking

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and Slicing

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, slice into bars and serve.

How to Serve Christmas Bars

These bars are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch or top them with a drizzle of melted chocolate. They make excellent holiday gifts when wrapped beautifully in cellophane or placed in a decorative tin.

How to Store Christmas Bars

Store your Christmas Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and thaw before enjoying.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Bars

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; this keeps the bars tender.
• Switch up the chocolate chips with nuts, dried fruit, or other types of chocolate for a different twist.
• If you prefer gooey bars, check for doneness a bit earlier.

Delicious Variations

• Mint Chocolate Christmas Bars: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the butter mixture and use mint chocolate chips for a minty twist.
• Nutty Christmas Bars: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Dried Fruit Bars: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a festive, chewy addition.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use margarine instead of butter?
  Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?
  Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

• What’s the best way to cut these bars?
  Use a sharp knife, and clean it between cuts for clean edges. You can also refrigerate the bars for a firmer texture before slicing.

• Can I double the recipe?
  Absolutely! Just use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

• How can I make these dairy-free?
  Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well.

Conclusion

These Christmas Bars are a delightful addition to your holiday baking lineup. Easy to prepare and bursting with sweet flavors, they are sure to please anyone who takes a bite. Whether enjoyed at home or given as gifts, these treats will make the season brighter. Gather your ingredients and start baking—your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm, comforting aroma of homemade holiday goodness! Enjoy!

Christmas Bars

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful and festive bars filled with chocolate chips and a buttery base, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
5. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow to cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack, then slice into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg