The aroma of freshly baked Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm holiday hug. red velvet thumbprint cookies Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, chocolatey delight that’s oozing with melted goodness. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
Every holiday season, I whip up these delightful treats that bring smiles and laughter to my family gatherings. The moment they hit the table, it’s like watching a pack of hungry wolves descend on an unsuspecting picnic—pure chaos but oh so joyful!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to make, ensuring even novice bakers can shine
- The rich chocolate flavor and gooey texture create a festive dessert everyone will love
- Their vibrant appearance adds a splash of color to any holiday spread
- Perfect for sharing at parties or keeping all to yourself during a cozy night in
One Christmas, my cousin took one bite and exclaimed it was like “being hugged by Santa himself.” That reaction is all I need to keep making these bar cookies year after year. fruitcake cookies for Christmas.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple that provides the perfect structure for your cookie bars; sifted for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars beautifully; don’t skimp on this ingredient for maximum gooeyness. fun Grinch sugar cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; use light or dark depending on your taste preference.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture we crave; don’t forget to let it warm up!
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and achieving that beautiful chewy consistency; room temperature works best.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this fragrant liquid brings warmth and depth to your cookie bars; pure extract is always a winner.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives your bars a slight rise, ensuring they remain soft and chewy rather than dry.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips add delightful pockets of richness; the more, the merrier!
- Optional Nuts or Sprinkles: To add some crunch or festive flair; choose according to your personal preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You want those sugars to dissolve perfectly into the butter for an even texture.
Crack in the eggs one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract next, letting its sweet scent fill the air like holiday cheer.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and just a pinch of salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until combined. Be gentle; you want to keep all that airy goodness intact!
Stir in those irresistible chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. festive peppermint swirl cookies If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some nuts or festive sprinkles now!
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan using a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top but still slightly gooey in the center—trust me; this is where magic happens!
Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before slicing into squares. The chocolate should still be melty when served—perfect for those gooey moments we live for during Christmas!
You Must Know
- Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect festive treat, combining rich chocolate with a chewy texture
- The aroma of baking cookies fills the house, creating a cozy atmosphere
- These bars are not just delicious; they are a delightful way to spread holiday cheer
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix your wet ingredients first, then gradually add the dry ones. This ensures an even blend, making your gooey cookie bars perfectly chewy and full of flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chocolate chips for nuts or dried fruits for a unique twist. Adding a pinch of sea salt enhances flavors beautifully, while festive sprinkles can make these bars a visual treat! For more inspiration, check out this raspberry cheesecake bars recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For best results, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that gooey texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the ideal gooey texture, don’t overbake your cookie bars; they should be slightly underdone when removed from the oven
- Using quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in flavor
- Allow them to cool completely before cutting for cleaner squares
I remember the first time I baked Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars; my friends devoured them within minutes and begged for seconds! It became our holiday tradition, sparking laughter and sweet memories every year.
FAQ
How do I prevent my cookie bars from drying out?
Use fresh ingredients and avoid overbaking; slightly underbake for gooey perfection.
Can I freeze Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months without compromising taste.
What toppings work well with these cookie bars?
Try drizzling caramel or adding whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive joy of Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars! These delightful treats are a perfect blend of rich chocolate and chewy goodness, guaranteed to warm hearts and spread cheer during the holiday season. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite at your family gatherings. With a vibrant appearance and an irresistible aroma, these cookie bars will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
- Optional: Nuts or sprinkles for added flair
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually fold into wet ingredients until combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips (and any optional nuts or sprinkles).
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden but still gooey in the center.
- Let cool slightly before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking. - Swap chocolate chips for dried fruits or nuts for a unique twist. - Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
