Save Soft, chewy cookie bars packed with chocolate chips, festive sprinkles, and a hint of holiday spice are perfect for sharing during the Christmas season. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or looking for a fun baking project, these bars bring cheerful color and irresistible flavor to your dessert table.
I first made these cookie bars for my family Christmas Eve gathering last December. Everyone loved how soft and flavorful they were, and the festive sprinkles added a playful touch that delighted kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (280 g)
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon (optional): 1/2 teaspoon, for a holiday twist
- Unsalted butter: 3/4 cup (170 g), melted and slightly cooled
- Light brown sugar: 1 cup (200 g), packed
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 1/2 cups (270 g)
- Red and green holiday sprinkles: 1/2 cup (75 g)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g)
Instructions
- Prep Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Add-ins:
- Fold in the chocolate chips, sprinkles, and nuts (if using), reserving a few chocolate chips and sprinkles for topping.
- Spread Dough:
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and sprinkles on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 23–27 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
- Cool & Cut:
- Allow to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into bars.
Save Cutting these bars into squares and sharing them at our holiday table has become a cherished tradition. Kids love helping sprinkle decorations, and everyone enjoys their rich flavor with cocoa or coffee by the fire.
Required Tools
You will need a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula or wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, and parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, chocolate chips), and tree nuts if used. Always check ingredient labels for allergens if serving to those with food sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 245 calories, 12 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein, making these bars a sweet but satisfying treat for your holiday celebrations.
Save Enjoy these Christmas cookie bars as a shareable dessert at any festive celebration. Bake ahead for easy serving and make memories with every bite.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I substitute different chocolate chips in these bars?
Absolutely. Use white, milk, or dark chocolate chips as preferred, or mix them for extra flavor variety.
- → How can I make these bars nut-free?
Simply omit walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version. The bars will still be chewy and flavorful.
- → What gives these bars a festive holiday touch?
Red and green sprinkles, plus a dash of cinnamon, add color and warmth perfect for Christmas celebrations.
- → How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Edges should turn golden and a toothpick poked in the center should come out with mostly clean, moist crumbs.
- → How should the bars be stored for freshness?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They're great for make-ahead treats.
- → Can I add a drizzle on top for extra flair?
Yes, melted white chocolate drizzled over cooled bars and extra sprinkles boost festive appeal.