Christmas Bars and Squares: 7 Scrumptious Festive Treats

Name: Christmas Bars and Squares: 7 Scrumptious Festive Treats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups mixed dried fruits; 1 cup chopped nuts; 1 cup chocolate chips

novembre 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something truly special about gathering with family and friends, and nothing brings that festive spirit to life quite like my Christmas bars and squares. I remember one year, I made a huge batch for our family holiday party, and the moment I set them on the dessert table, they practically vanished! Between the rich flavors of mixed dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and gooey chocolate chips, they’re always the first to go. And trust me, they’re not just for parties! These bars are perfect for sharing with neighbors or even as a cozy treat for yourself while wrapped up in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa.

What I love most about these Christmas bars is their versatility. You can mix and match your favorite ingredients, whether it’s swapping in different dried fruits or nuts based on what you have on hand. They’re so easy to make, and the best part? You can whip up a batch in less than an hour! So, let’s dive in and make some holiday magic together with these delightful bars that are sure to impress everyone around you!

Ingredients for Christmas Bars and Squares

Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating the most delicious Christmas bars! I promise, they’re all easy to find and you might even have some of them in your pantry already.

1 cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar—this helps create that perfect texture!
2 cups granulated sugar: This will add sweetness and a lovely golden color to your bars.
4 large eggs: You’ll want these at room temperature too, as they blend more smoothly into the batter.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: This is where the magic happens! It adds a warm, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
3 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for our bars. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
1 teaspoon baking powder: This little guy helps the bars rise and become fluffy. Don’t skip it!
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness; it really enhances all the flavors.
2 cups mixed dried fruits: I love using a combination of raisins, cranberries, and apricots, but feel free to get creative with your favorite dried fruits!
1 cup chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans are my go-tos, adding a nice crunch. You can toast them beforehand for an extra flavor boost!
1 cup chocolate chips: You can’t have Christmas bars without chocolate! Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich touch.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re all set to create some holiday magic! Let’s keep the momentum going and dive into the next steps to make these scrumptious bars.

How to Prepare Christmas Bars and Squares

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! I swear, the process is just as delightful as the end result. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious batch of Christmas bars in no time!

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have it nice and hot when you pop those bars in so they bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I like to use a bit of butter or non-stick spray to make sure nothing sticks to the sides. You want those beautiful squares to come out perfectly!

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. I usually use an electric mixer for this part, but a good old-fashioned whisk works just fine if you’re feeling adventurous! You’ll want to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, crack in the four large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract too; it’s what makes it smell heavenly!

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—just until you can’t see any flour streaks is perfect!

Adding Flavorful Mix-ins

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips using a spatula. I love taking a moment to admire the colors and textures as they come together! Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter, so each square is bursting with flavor. This is where you can really let your creativity shine by choosing your favorite combinations of fruits and nuts!

Baking the Mixture

Once everything is mixed, it’s time to spread that glorious batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes uniformly. Then, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you start to smell that delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen, you know you’re on the right track! Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Trust me, they’ll be worth the wait!

Tips for Success with Christmas Bars and Squares

Now that you’re all set to make these delightful Christmas bars, let me share a few of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. I’ve made my fair share of baking mistakes, so trust me when I say these little nuggets of wisdom will save you from some common pitfalls!

Use room temperature ingredients: This is key, especially for the butter and eggs. When everything is at room temperature, they blend together more smoothly, resulting in a fluffier texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: It’s tempting to keep stirring until everything is perfectly smooth, but overmixing can lead to dense bars. Just mix until combined, and you’re good to go!
Check for doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your bars a few minutes before the 30-minute mark. You want them golden brown with a toothpick coming out clean, but not overbaked!
Let them cool completely: I know it’s hard to resist the smell, but letting your bars cool in the pan before cutting ensures they hold their shape and don’t crumble apart.
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap out the nuts or dried fruits for your favorites, or even throw in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.
Store them correctly: Keep your bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy them later!

With these tips, you’re well on your way to baking up a storm! I can’t wait for you to taste these delicious bars and share them with your loved ones. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked a delicious batch of Christmas bars, let’s talk about how to keep those festive treats fresh and tasty! I know how tempting it is to dive right in, but proper storage can make all the difference, especially if you want to enjoy them later.

First off, let your bars cool completely in the pan. Once they’ve cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to cut them into squares before storing, so they’re easy to grab and go. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-5 days, but I promise that won’t be a problem—they usually disappear much faster than that!

If you want to store them for a longer time, you can freeze the bars! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for making ahead of time for the holidays. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take out the number of squares you want and let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. No need to reheat—these bars are delightful served chilled, but you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

So, whether you’re stashing some away for later or sharing with friends, these storage tips will keep your Christmas bars as scrumptious as the day you baked them. Happy indulging!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

While I’ve shared some general nutritional information for these Christmas bars, keep in mind that the values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. For instance, using different types of nuts or chocolate can change the calorie count or sugar content. So, while I aim to give you a ballpark figure, it’s always a good idea to check the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy every delicious bite, but remember, these numbers are just an estimate!

FAQ About Christmas Bars and Squares

Got questions about these scrumptious Christmas bars? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best answers to help you out in the kitchen.

Can I use different types of nuts or fruits?

Absolutely! One of the best things about these Christmas bars is their versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts—almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts would work beautifully! As for the dried fruits, you can mix it up with apricots, cherries, or even dates for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that different fruits and nuts can alter the flavor and texture slightly, but that’s part of the fun! Experimenting is what makes each batch special!

How long do these bars last?

These delicious bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about 3-5 days. But trust me, they’re so tasty, they usually don’t stick around that long! If you want to keep them longer, they freeze really well—up to 2 months, in fact! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or enjoy them straight from the freezer. They’re delightful either way!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can definitely make these Christmas bars gluten-free! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute, as it usually works just as well as regular flour in recipes like this. Just make sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder and chocolate chips, are also gluten-free. You’ll still get that wonderful texture and flavor without the gluten—so everyone can enjoy a festive treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time: You can whip these delicious bars up in just under an hour!
Delicious flavors: The combination of sweet dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and rich chocolate creates a mouthwatering experience.
Festive appeal: These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table.
Versatile ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts and fruits, making each batch uniquely yours!
Great for sharing: They’re easy to cut into squares, making them a perfect treat to share with friends and family.
Freezer-friendly: Bake a batch ahead of time and keep them on hand for unexpected guests or cravings!
Kid-approved: The sweet flavors and fun textures are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!

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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.