Christmas Cookie Bars: 5 Irresistible Holiday Magic Bites

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If there’s one treat that brings instant holiday cheer with almost zero stress, it’s Christmas Cookie Bars. They’re everything we love about Christmas cookies—sweet, soft, festive—but without the marathon baking session. And if you’re anything like me during December (juggling shopping lists, school concerts, work deadlines, and a social calendar that explodes overnight), these bars will feel like an early Christmas gift.

This recipe is the kind of lifesaver I lean on when I want homemade magic without spending hours scooping dough. It’s simple, familiar, and full of those cozy flavors that make your home smell like Santa just walked through with a tray of warm treats.

Let’s be real—December can feel like a giant to-do list wearing a Santa hat. That’s exactly why these Christmas Cookie Bars belong in your holiday rotation.

Quick to prep (your mixer does half the work)
One pan = fewer dishes, which is the real gift
Festive and customizable—kids love adding sprinkles, and adults love eating them
Great for gifting (wrap them up and watch the compliments roll in!)

Plus, they have that soft, chewy center with golden edges… basically everything a cookie dreams of being when it grows up.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 cup festive sprinkles (for decoration)

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). A warm oven is the secret to that perfect golden top.

2. Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Leave a bit hanging over the edges so you can lift your bars out later—like a dessert elevator.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
This gives your bars the soft, tender texture we all crave.

4. Cream the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and mix the softened butter with both sugars until creamy and light.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract and blend until smooth and glossy.

5. Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
Mix just until combined—overmixing can make your bars tough, and nobody wants that.

6. Add the Mix-Ins

Fold in chocolate chips, nuts (if using), or even dried fruit.
This is also where you can get creative—white chocolate chips are a holiday favorite in my home.

7. Spread and Smooth

Pour the thick, festive dough into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Scatter sprinkles across the top like a snowfall of joy.

8. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Cool Completely

Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift them out and place on a wire rack to cool fully.
This helps them set so they slice beautifully.

10. Slice and Serve

Cut into squares, rectangles, or—my kids’ favorite—tiny bite-sized cubes.

Soft butter is key! Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter makes them greasy.
Don’t skip the parchment. It makes life so much easier when lifting them out.
Want thicker bars? Bake in a smaller pan, but extend the baking time a few minutes.
Sprinkles go on top, not inside. Mixed-in sprinkles melt and disappear—they’re shy like that.
If your bars appear too thick or doughy—don’t panic! They firm up as they cool.

This recipe once saved me during a week where every day felt like two Mondays stitched together. I needed something festive for a holiday potluck, and these bars came out perfect on the first try. Warm, gooey, colorful—basically edible holiday spirit.

Christmas Cookie Bars stacked on a plate, filled with red, green, and white candies and chocolate chips for a festive, chewy holiday dessert. — These Christmas Cookie Bars are packed with colorful holiday candies, creating a thick, chewy, and irresistible treat for Christmas celebrations.

Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze wonderfully. Just wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. They thaw quickly, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.

Can I use different mix-ins?

Yes! Pecans, white chocolate, cranberries, toffee bits—Christmas Cookie Bars love options.

Can I double the recipe?

You sure can. Use two pans or a large sheet pan, keeping an eye on the baking time.

How long do leftovers last?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 5 days, though in my house they barely survive 24 hours.

Bringing Holiday Magic to Your Kitchen

Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, feeding hungry holiday guests, or just craving a cozy treat on a cold evening, Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect no-fuss dessert. They deliver all the festive charm without eating up your day—and honestly, that’s my kind of holiday miracle.

Bake a batch, share the joy, and enjoy the sweet simplicity of a dessert that practically makes itself.

More Festive Treats You’ll Love

If you’re already dreaming up your next holiday sweet, here are a few more reader-favorite Christmas recipes that pair beautifully with your cookie bars. Each one adds its own kind of magic to your dessert table—whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for a cookie exchange, or just sneaking a treat after the kids go to bed (no judgment… I do it too!).

For a cool, creamy treat that requires zero baking, try this refreshing No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Pie—it’s like holiday cheer in silky pie form.
Want something fun and festive to make with kids? These adorable Pretzel and Candy Melt Christmas Trees are colorful, delicious, and incredibly easy.
If cookie bars are your happy place, you’ll love these soft and sweet Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars—they’re frosted, chewy, and perfect for gifting.
And for your next holiday gathering, this irresistible Christmas Crack Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—sweet, creamy, and gone in minutes.

Feel free to mix and match these treats to create your own holiday dessert spread. Your family and guests will think you spent all day baking… we’ll keep the real secret between us!