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Christmas Cookie Bars

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Delight in the festive spirit with these Christmas Cookie Bars! Perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations. These treats are a combination of rich chocolate, colorful M&Ms, and the warm flavors of vanilla and almond. 

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup holiday M&Ms or red and green candy-coated chocolates
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.

  1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and nuts if using, mixing gently.

  1. Bake the Bars:

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

  1. Optional: Add White Chocolate Drizzle:

If you want to add a festive touch, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.

Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookie bars for a beautiful finish.

  1. Slice and Serve:

Once the bars are completely cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles.

Serve and enjoy the holiday cheer!

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with more chocolate chips.

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