The kitchen fills with the sweet, buttery aroma of warm gooey Christmas cookie bars, a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. delicious Christmas fruitcake cookies Each bite offers a symphony of flavors, from rich chocolate to hints of vanilla, making the holiday season sing. peppermint hot chocolate cookies sweet Rolo pretzels.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What makes these Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars special?
- Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
- How do I know when they are done baking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: a cozy gathering, laughter echoing around you as these cookie bars disappear faster than the last episode of your favorite binge-watch. The gooey Christmas cookie bars become not just a dessert but a cherished memory shared with loved ones. For more inspiration, check out this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These gooey Christmas cookie bars are incredibly easy to whip up even for beginners
- The flavor explosion is like a holiday party in your mouth
- Their festive appearance makes them perfect for any holiday gathering or potluck
- You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins
I still remember the first time I brought these gooey Christmas cookie bars to a family holiday gathering—everyone was fighting over the last piece like it was the last slice of pizza at a party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar; it’s key for that rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: This sugar creates a sweet base; be generous but balanced to avoid overly sweet bars.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and depth; don’t skip it if you want gooey perfection.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best; they help bind ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour is ideal; it provides structure while ensuring those gooey centers.
- Baking Powder: A must for lift and chewiness; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rising.
- Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and elevates flavors; don’t underestimate its importance!
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are classic, but feel free to mix in dark or milk chocolate for variety.
- Sprinkles (Optional): Holiday-themed sprinkles add fun color and festivity—because every bar deserves some flair!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate large eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Mix in pure vanilla extract until fully combined for that aromatic holiday fragrance.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well-blended. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Stop when just combined—over-mixing leads to tough bars instead of gooey goodness.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Take care not to break those lovely chips!
Bake to Gooey Perfection: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown but centers remain slightly soft—trust me on this!
Let these decadent gooey Christmas cookie bars cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing them into square pieces. festive peppermint swirl cookies Feel free to sprinkle those festive sprinkles on top right before serving for added charm!
You Must Know
- Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, perfectly chewy with a luscious chocolatey flavor
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make even Santa stop in his tracks
- Customize them to suit your taste, and watch as they disappear faster than you can say “milk and cookies!”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For perfect gooeyness, bake at 350°F until edges are golden but center remains soft. Let cool slightly before slicing for that ideal texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or add crushed nuts for extra crunch. Get creative with flavors like peppermint or orange zest!
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore gooeyness before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture
- Avoid overbaking; a gooey center is key!
- Experiment with mix-ins like caramel or dried fruits for a unique twist
Sometimes my friends proclaim these cookie bars should come with a warning label: “Caution! May cause uncontrollable happiness.” I remember one holiday party where they disappeared within minutes, leaving behind only crumbs and smiles.
FAQ
What makes these Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars special?
They have an irresistible chewy texture combined with rich chocolate flavors that everyone loves. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips all work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I know when they are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown while the center looks slightly underbaked; it will firm up as it cools.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars, a perfect blend of chocolate and buttery goodness. These delectable treats are easy to make and are sure to be the highlight of any holiday gathering. Each bar melts in your mouth, bringing joy to every bite. Ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying by yourself, these cookie bars will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently using a spatula.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is soft.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Add sprinkles if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
