Christmas Bars: 5 Irresistible Recipes to Indulge With Joy

novembre 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Ah, Christmas bars! There’s just something about them that screams holiday cheer, right? I can practically smell the warm, buttery goodness and the sweet, festive flavors wafting through my kitchen. These bars are my secret weapon during the holiday season; they’re perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just cozy nights in with family. I remember the first time I made these delightful treats; I was trying to impress my friends at a holiday gathering. Spoiler alert: I did, and they quickly disappeared! Trust me, once you take a bite of these Christmas bars, you’ll be hooked. The combination of chocolate chips, crunchy nuts, and tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. So, let’s dive into making these festive delights that are sure to become a holiday tradition in your home!

Ingredients for Christmas Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, for that warm flavor
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for fluffiness
1 teaspoon baking powder, to help them rise
1/2 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
1 cup chocolate chips, because who can resist?
1 cup chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans work great
1 cup dried cranberries, for a festive touch and tartness

How to Prepare Christmas Bars

Preparing these Christmas bars is a breeze, and I promise you, the results are well worth the little effort! Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a delicious batch of holiday goodness ready to share (or not!). Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use butter or cooking spray—whatever you have on hand works! This will help your bars come out easily once they cool.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step makes a big difference in texture!
Once they’re nicely mixed, add in the 4 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s well combined. You want to see that lovely, smooth mixture!
In another bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and ensures your bars rise beautifully.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in parts to avoid any flour explosions! Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it!
Here comes the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries. You can really go wild here and add more if you like; I won’t judge!
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it bakes nice and even.
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just be careful not to overbake them—nobody likes dry bars!
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up nicely. Once cool, cut them into squares and get ready to enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

**Irresistible flavor**: The combination of chocolate, nuts, and tart cranberries creates a perfect blend of sweetness and texture that’s hard to resist!
**Easy preparation**: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
**Festive appeal**: These Christmas bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great addition to any holiday gathering or dessert table.
**Versatile**: Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins—whether it’s swapping nuts or adding a sprinkle of festive spices, the options are endless!
**Feed a crowd**: This recipe yields 24 bars, so you’ll have plenty to share (or keep all to yourself—no judgment here!).
**Make-ahead magic**: These bars can be baked ahead of time and stored, saving you time for other holiday preparations.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to whip up these delicious Christmas bars, here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make a big difference!

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything blend together more smoothly, giving you that lovely, fluffy texture.
Don’t overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we definitely want them light and delicious!
Check for doneness: Ovens can be tricky! Start checking your bars a few minutes before the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out!
Customize with flair: Feel free to get creative! Swap out the nuts for your favorites, add some white chocolate chips, or even throw in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra holiday warmth.
Cooling is key: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This helps them set up nicely, making it easier to get those perfect squares without crumbling.
Storage secrets: If you have leftovers (which I doubt you will!), store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making the most amazing Christmas bars your friends and family will rave about. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these Christmas bars, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per bar, so you can enjoy them while keeping track:

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But hey, it’s the holidays, and a little indulgence is totally worth it! Enjoy every bite of your festive creation!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve whipped up these delightful Christmas bars and savored a few, you might be wondering how to store the leftovers (if there are any!). Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Proper storage will keep them fresh and delicious for days to come.

Storing: Place your cooled Christmas bars in an airtight container. This is key to keeping them soft and chewy! You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you’ve cut them into squares.
Room temperature: These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a cool, dry place—no one wants a soggy bar!
Freezing: If you want to enjoy these festive treats later, you can freeze them! Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: While these bars are delicious at room temperature, if you prefer a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to get that chocolate melting again—yum!

By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Christmas bars for longer and keep that festive spirit alive every time you take a bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these delightful Christmas bars? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my helpful tips to make your baking experience even better.

Can I use different mix-ins?

Absolutely! One of the best parts about these Christmas bars is how versatile they are. You can swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate, use dried cherries instead of cranberries, or even throw in some festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. The sky’s the limit—get creative!

How do I know when my bars are done baking?

Great question! You’ll want to keep an eye on those edges—they should be golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Just be careful not to overbake them, or they could turn out dry!

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These Christmas bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. They actually taste even better after a day or two, as the flavors meld together beautifully!

What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?

No problem at all! If you don’t have that size pan, you can use two smaller baking pans or any similar-sized dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller pans might cook a bit faster.

How should I store leftover Christmas bars?

To keep those bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just remember to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first!

There you have it! I hope these FAQs help you tackle any questions you might have while baking your scrumptious Christmas bars. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your festive treats!

Call to Action

I hope you’re as excited to make these Christmas bars as I am! If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts or any fun twists you tried. Did you add something special? Share your secrets!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback helps me create more deliciousness for you and others to enjoy. And hey, why not share the festive cheer? Snap a picture of your beautiful bars and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations! Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and yummy treats!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.