Here’s a detailed and delightful recipe for Christmas Bars, including their history, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and everything else you need to make them perfect!
Christmas Bars: A Festive Delight
Christmas bars are a beloved holiday treat that brings warmth and joy to family gatherings. These sweet, buttery bars are often packed with festive ingredients like cranberries, white chocolate, nuts, and a hint of spice to capture the essence of Christmas. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or serve them at a holiday party, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
History of Christmas Bars
The tradition of baking festive treats dates back centuries, with various cultures preparing sweets for winter celebrations. Christmas bars, in particular, are a modern take on classic holiday cookies and cakes. Inspired by shortbread, fruitcake, and spiced cookies, these bars combine rich flavors into a convenient, sliceable treat. Over time, bakers have experimented with different ingredients, leading to a variety of Christmas bar recipes, each with a unique twist.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Mix-ins:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 3: Adding the Festive Mix-ins
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and nuts (if using).
Step 4: Baking
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth out the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Step 5: Preparing the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for an extra festive touch.
Serving & Storing
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Why Everyone Loves These Christmas Bars
- Rich and Buttery: The base is soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
- Festive Ingredients: Cranberries and white chocolate make them perfect for the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: No rolling or cutting cookies—just spread, bake, and slice!
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them in decorative tins for a delicious homemade gift.
Conclusion
These Christmas Bars are a must-have during the holiday season. With their chewy texture, festive flavors, and irresistible sweetness, they capture the magic of Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or packaging them as gifts, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them!
So go ahead, whip up a batch, and spread the holiday cheer with these delightful Christmas Bars!
Would you like variations on this recipe? Maybe a gluten-free or vegan version?