Christmas bars
Christmas bars are my go-to treat when the holiday season rolls around. These chewy, sweet bars are often packed with festive flavors like cranberries, nuts, chocolate chips, and a touch…
Tip: save now, cook later.Christmas bars are my go-to treat when the holiday season rolls around. These chewy, sweet bars are often packed with festive flavors like cranberries, nuts, chocolate chips, and a touch of cinnamon. They’re a perfect mix of soft and crunchy with just the right amount of sweetness to make everyone smile.
I love making Christmas bars because they’re so easy to whip up and they fill the kitchen with the cozy scent of holiday spices. I usually throw in whatever dried fruit and nuts I have on hand, which makes each batch a little special. Sometimes, I’ll top them with a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive touch that everyone loves.
Serving these bars at holiday get-togethers always feels like a little gift. They’re great for sharing with friends, packing up as gifts, or just enjoying by the fire with a warm drink. I find that once you try these bars, you’ll want to make them a holiday tradition too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Softened butter is the base for the dough, giving richness and helping bind everything. If you want a dairy-free version, try vegan margarine or coconut oil, but flavors will shift slightly.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar keeps the bars chewy thanks to its molasses content. You could replace with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Chocolate chips: Mixing white and semi-sweet chips makes the bars colorful and tasty. You can swap for any chocolate you like, or omit if avoiding chocolate.
Nuts: I like a mix of pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts for crunch. Use what you have, or skip if allergic. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds work well too.
Dried cranberries or cherries: These add a tart counterpoint. Raisins or chopped dried apricots are good alternatives.
Holiday M&Ms: These keep things festive and chewy. Substitute with any candy-coated chocolates or colorful sprinkles if you wish.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture Without Overbaking?
Getting chewy, soft bars means watching your baking time closely. Here’s my method:
- Preheat the oven fully before baking to ensure even heat.
- When baking, check at 25 minutes. The edges should be golden but the center still slightly soft.
- Insert a toothpick in the center: it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Remove from oven and cool in the pan completely before cutting. This lets the bars set and keeps them tender.
Avoid baking too long or the bars will turn dry and crumbly. Patience at cooling time is just as key!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy to cut bars.
- Parchment paper – helps lift the bars out smoothly and keeps the pan clean.
- Large mixing bowl – roomy enough to mix all your ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer or sturdy spoon – an electric mixer speeds creaming butter and sugar, but a spoon works too.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with flour, sugar, and spices.
- Spatula – great for folding in nuts, chocolate chips, and candies gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mixed nuts for toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist that adds chew and flavor.
- Use dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different fruity note.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for bright citrus flavor that feels festive.
- Stir in mini peanut butter chips with chocolate chips for a sweet and salty combo.
How to Make Christmas Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice
For The Mix-ins:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts), roughly chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 1 cup holiday-themed M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates (red, green, white)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow extra time for the bars to cool completely before cutting, roughly 30 minutes, so plan for about an hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily after baking.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition, and add the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and optional spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a festive touch.
4. Mix Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until everything is just combined – don’t overmix!
5. Add the Fun Stuff:
Fold in the white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries or cherries, and most of the holiday M&Ms, saving some to sprinkle on top.
6. Bake:
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and press the reserved M&Ms gently onto the top for decoration. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool & Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into bars. Enjoy your festive treat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Christmas Bars?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming with the sugars to get a light, fluffy batter. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then let it sit at room temperature until soft before using.
Can I Substitute Nuts or Leave Them Out?
Absolutely! You can swap the nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or leave them out altogether for a nut-free version. Just be aware this will change the texture slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Christmas Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for about a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your mix-ins like chocolate chips and candies are also gluten-free to keep these festive bars safe for gluten-free eaters.
