Save Soft, chewy cookie bars packed with chocolate chips, festive sprinkles, and a hint of holiday spice are the perfect treat for sharing during the Christmas season. These bars are simple to prepare and bring color plus sweetness to any holiday dessert table.
I love making these chocolate chip bars every December because they always fill the house with warm, festive aromas. The recipe is reliable, and kids have fun adding the sprinkles for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
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
- Packed light brown sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, pure
- 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
- Prepare pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisk until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add-ins:
- Fold in chocolate chips, sprinkles, and nuts (if using), reserving a few chocolate chips and sprinkles for topping.
- Transfer to pan:
- Spread dough evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips and sprinkles on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 23 to 27 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
- Cool and cut:
- Allow to cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into bars.
Save Every year, our family makes these bars together and shares them with neighbors, making the holiday season even sweeter.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula or wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, and a 9x13-inch baking pan are needed to prepare this recipe.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk from butter and chocolate chips, and nuts if used. Be sure to check chocolate chip and sprinkle labels for ingredient specifics.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 245 calories, 12 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Enjoy these festive Christmas cookie chocolate chip bars with a cold glass of milk. They are sure to be a hit at your holiday celebrations!
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of chocolate chips should I use?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but you can substitute with white or dark chocolate chips if you prefer.
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version. The bars will still be deliciously chewy and flavorful.
- → How do I store the cookie bars?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.
- → Can I freeze the bars for later?
Absolutely. Freeze the cooled, sliced bars in layers separated by parchment paper for up to two months.
- → How can I add more festive flair?
Drizzle cooled bars with melted white chocolate and sprinkle extra holiday sprinkles as decoration.
- → What pan size should I use?
A 9x13-inch baking pan is ideal to ensure the bars bake evenly and have the proper thickness.