Christmas Bars

Christmas Bars are a delightful holiday treat that perfectly blend buttery goodness with a chewy texture and bursts of chocolate. The aroma of these bars baking in your oven fills the home with festive cheer, making them a favorite at holiday gatherings. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just indulge in a sweet moment with your family, these bars are the ultimate festive dessert that brings warmth and comfort during the chilly season.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These Christmas Bars are not only incredibly delicious, but they also come together effortlessly. With versatile ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, you can whip them up any time you want a sweet treat. This recipe is perfect for busy holiday seasons when you want something quick and flavorful to share at parties or just to enjoy at home. Plus, kids love them—what’s not to adore about a dessert packed with chocolate chips and the comforting taste of oats?

"I made these Christmas Bars for our family gathering, and they were a hit! Everyone went back for seconds. The chocolate and oats work beautifully together!" – A Happy Baker

The Cooking Process Explained

Making Christmas Bars is easier than you might think. You’ll begin by creaming butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, you’ll combine the dry ingredients and stir in the chocolates and nuts, if you’re using them. The magic happens when you bake the mixture in the oven until golden brown. It takes just a few steps to create a deliciously satisfying treat!

What You’ll Need

To make these festive bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, feel free to swap with seeds for a nut-free version)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

These ingredients can be easily adjusted to meet dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking tray to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add in the flour, rolled oats, and salt. If you’re including nuts, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract, fold them in at this stage.
4. Spread the delicious mixture evenly into your prepared baking tray.
5. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These Christmas Bars can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert. Pair them with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy morning treat. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie plates or gift them to friends and family in decorative tins!

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Christmas Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just ensure they are wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Pro Chef Tips

• Don’t skip the cooling step: Letting the bars cool completely will allow them to set properly, making them easier to cut.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist, enhancing the festive feel.
• Add a drizzle: Top the cooled bars with a simple chocolate glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:

• Substitute half the chocolate chips with dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity zing.
• Use almond or peanut butter instead of regular butter for a nutty flavor.
• For a crunchy twist, swap the rolled oats for crushed graham crackers.

FAQs

How long do these take to prepare?

The total prep time is about 15-20 minutes, and baking takes an additional 20-25 minutes.

Can I use other types of sugar?

Yes! You can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.

Are there any substitutes for the butter?

Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute to make them dairy-free.

These delightful Christmas Bars are perfect for enhancing your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or sharing them with loved ones, they are sure to bring smiles all around!

Christmas Bars

Delightful holiday treat blending buttery goodness with a chewy texture and bursts of chocolate, perfect for festive gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1.5 cups brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Can be substituted with seeds for a nut-free version.
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking tray to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add in the flour, rolled oats, and salt. If you’re including nuts, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract, fold them in at this stage.
4. Spread the delicious mixture evenly into your prepared baking tray.

Baking

1. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
2. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze well wrapped.