Introduction
These Christmas Bars are the perfect festive treat, bursting with flavors that will take your holiday celebrations to the next level. With a delightful combination of rich chocolate, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts, each bite is a sweet reminder of the season’s joy. They are incredibly easy to whip up and are sure to become a staple at your holiday gatherings, making them the ultimate sweet indulgence for friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your bars come out perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the fragrant vanilla extract that adds a lovely warmth to the batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix—just until combined for a tender texture.
- Gently fold in the chopped nuts, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a colorful and delicious mix.
- Pour the luscious batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly, preparing it for the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that your bars are perfectly baked.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into delightful squares, ready to be enjoyed!
Notes or Tips
For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to enhance those cozy, festive flavors. If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to substitute them with more chocolate chips or even coconut flakes for a different texture. These bars are fantastic for gifting; just package them beautifully in a festive box or tin!
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars well is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your bars. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter, fluffier bake. Make sure to measure your flour correctly—too much can lead to dry bars. Always let your bars cool completely in the pan; this helps them set up and makes cutting them into neat squares a breeze.
FAQ
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Christmas Bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.
What other mix-ins can I use?
You can customize these bars by adding your favorite ingredients, such as dried fruits, different kinds of chocolate, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
Conclusion
Celebrate the season with these delectable Christmas Bars that are sure to delight everyone at your gathering. Their rich flavors, festive colors, and easy preparation make them a must-have treat for any holiday feast. Enjoy sharing them with family and friends, or keep a batch all to yourself—you deserve a little sweetness this holiday season!