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Ah, Christmas Bars! There’s something about this festive treat that wraps you up in twinkling lights and cozy blankets. As the holiday season rolls around, I can’t help but think of the memories each bite conjures—the joy of sharing with family, the laughter, and, of course, the scrumptious flavor that dances on your tongue. These bars are a delicious mash-up of chewy cookie dough, rich chocolate, sweet marshmallows, and a pop of fruity cranberry, making them a perfect addition to any holiday spread. Let me share my favorite way to whip up these charming treats, full of love and holiday spirit.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s chat about why you simply have to make these Christmas Bars. First off, they’re so easy to throw together, even on the busiest of days when you still want to bring a little sweetness to your life—or your holiday party! Picture this: a buttery, cookie-like base practically melting in your mouth, enveloped in gooey chocolate and punctuated with pockets of sticky marshmallow and tangy cranberry. If that’s not enough, the best part is how forgiving the recipe is! Got a bit more of this or that? Toss it in! This is about celebration—and deliciousness—it’s hard to go wrong.
These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a memory waiting to happen. Bake a batch and watch your family gather, lured in by the heavenly aroma wafting through your home. They’re tasty enough to impress your in-laws and simple enough to make after a long day. It’s all about the sharing, and trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Gather these ingredients
Now, let’s round up our key components to this luscious creation:
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Chocolate chips (1 cup): Go for semi-sweet or dark chocolate, whichever sings to your soul. They add a rich depth that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some white chocolate or peanut butter chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
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Cookie dough (1 cup): You can use store-bought, but homemade is where the heart is, isn’t it? If you opt for homemade, ensure it’s chilled! This step helps achieve that perfect chewy texture. Feel free to substitute with edible cookie dough if you’re into that—because who doesn’t love cookie dough?!
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Marshmallows (1/2 cup): These fluffy little delights elevate the bar to a whole new level, providing that gooey texture we all adore. Mini marshmallows work like a charm, blending seamlessly throughout the bars and making every bite feel like a hug.
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Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): A nod to tradition, these tart gems bring a tangy contrast to all the sweetness, like a pop of cheer in every bite. If cranberries aren’t your jam, try dried cherries or even chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
How this recipe comes together
Ready to bring these bars to life? Let’s embark on this delightful baking journey!
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Preheat your oven: Fire it up to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This step is essential; we want those bars to bake evenly and beautifully.
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Mix it up: In a good-sized mixing bowl, combine that cookie dough and chocolate chips. Seriously mix it well—don’t be shy! You want every chip nestled comfortably in the dough like a warm, cozy blanket.
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Spread & smooth: Grab your greased baking pan (about 8×8 works nicely), and spread that rich mixture evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula to smooth it out; we want a nice even foundation for our masterpiece.
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Top it off: Here comes the fun part—sprinkle those marshmallows and cranberries all over the top! Don’t skimp; this is where the magic happens. They’ll melt and caramelize while baking, creating a delicious, gooey layer.
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Bake: Slide your pan into the oven and let it work its magic for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll want those edges golden brown and the marshmallows to just start to toast.
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Cool and cut: Once out of the oven, let your bars cool for a while—impatience might tempt you, but trust me they’re better when allowed to set. Once cool, cut them into generous squares, and marvel at your creation!
Best way to enjoy it
Ah, the joy of serving these beauties! I like to present them on a rustic wooden board, dusted with a sprinkle of powdered sugar—a little festive flair to match their flavor. Pair them with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a cup of spiced tea; the warmth complements the bars beautifully, wrapping you in holiday cheer. If you’re serving at a party, why not set up a little dessert platter with some seasonal fruits and nuts alongside?
Keeping leftovers fresh
Let’s be real—leftovers are often the best part! To keep your bars tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have a large batch and want to keep those flavors around longer, pop them into the freezer. Simply cut the bars, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge again, just allow them to thaw at room temperature.
Pro chef tips
Let me share a few pearls of wisdom to elevate your baking game:
- Always preheat your oven: I can’t stress this enough; it’s crucial for even baking.
- Don’t be afraid to taste: If you’re using homemade cookie dough, give it a try before baking. Adjust sweetness with sugar if needed.
- Line your pan with parchment paper: For ease when cutting and serving—this little trick keeps your bars perfectly intact and makes cleanup a snap.
Creative Twists
Want to mix things up? Here’s your chance:
- Spicy Kick: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a subtle warming spice.
- Swap the fruit: Consider swapping cranberries for dried cherries, or even chopped apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans before spreading to add crunch and richness.
Ingredients list
- 1 cup Chocolate chips
- 1 cup Cookie dough
- 1/2 cup Marshmallows
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cookie dough and chocolate chips thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle marshmallows and dried cranberries on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars for serving.
Your questions answered
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How long do these take to prepare?
About 10-15 minutes of prep time, then about 20-25 minutes baking. -
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely! Wrap them well and they’ll keep for up to three months in the freezer. -
What can I use if I’m out of cookie dough?
You can use brownie batter for a chocolate lover’s dream or a biscuit dough for a twist! -
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for a golden-brown edge and a slight jiggle in the center—let them cool to finish setting. -
Can I add more ingredients?
Definitely! Get creative with chopped nuts or swap some chocolate for butterscotch chips.
Experimenting in the kitchen brings not just joy to your palate but a sense of community around food! These bars are the embodiment of festive cheer, and I can’t wait for you to try them. So roll up those sleeves, gather your ingredients, and make some memories this season. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments—I love hearing your stories!
Christmas Bars
These festive Christmas Bars are a delightful blend of chewy cookie dough, rich chocolate, sweet marshmallows, and tart dried cranberries, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Chocolate chips Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate; mix in white chocolate or peanut butter chips for variation.
- 1 cup Cookie dough Store-bought or homemade (ensure it’s chilled for best texture).
- 1/2 cup Marshmallows Mini marshmallows create a delightful gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup Dried cranberries Can substitute with dried cherries or chopped nuts.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie dough and chocolate chips thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle marshmallows and dried cranberries on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars for serving.
Notes
Best served with hot cocoa or spiced tea. To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
