Holiday Cookie Bars

Holiday Cookie Bars are a festive treat that combines the delightful flavors of peppermint, mocha, and holiday sprinkles. These bars are perfect for various occasions, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy night in. Their unique blend of sweet ingredients creates a dessert that is not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple steps, making it beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of peppermint and mocha offers a rich flavor profile that’s perfect for the holidays.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for gifting or serving at gatherings, these cookie bars will impress friends and family alike.
• Visually Stunning: Topped with colorful sprinkles and chips, these bars make for an eye-catching dessert.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite chocolates or toppings for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Holiday Cookie Bars, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your festive treat.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan (13×9 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Double boiler or heatproof bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars easier, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Baking pan: A 13×9 inch pan is essential for achieving the right thickness and baking time for your cookie bars.
• Parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment prevents sticking and helps with easy removal after baking.

Ingredients

Festive cookie bars combining peppermint, mocha, and holiday sprinkles in a delightful dessert.

For the Base

• 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour.
• 3 tsp baking powder.
• 1/2 tsp salt.

For the Batter

• 12 tbsp butter, at room temperature.
• 4 tbsp vegetable shortening.
• 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
• 2 eggs, at room temperature.
• 2 tsp pure coffee extract.

For Toppings

• 1 cup white chocolate chips.
• 1 cup peppermint baking chips.
• 1/2 cup mini M&M Baking Bits.
• About 3/4 of a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk.
• 1 tsp Christmas-colored sprinkles.

How to Make Holiday Cookie Bars

Step 1: Line Your Baking Pan

Line a 13×9 baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt

This mixture will help give structure to your cookie bars.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Melt the chocolate using one of these methods:
1. A double boiler method
2. A heatproof bowl over simmering water

Ensure it’s completely melted before moving on.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer:
1. Beat together butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until blended well.

This creates a rich base for your cookie batter.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Mixture

Once the chocolate has cooled slightly:
1. Add it to the creamed mixture along with eggs and coffee extract.
2. Beat until smooth and combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the flour mixture:
1. Mix until just combined.
2. Stir in white chocolate chips gently by hand for an even distribution.

Step 7: Bake Initial Layer

Press the dough into the prepared baking pan:
1. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes but do not fully bake; it should be slightly underdone.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Remove from oven:
1. Top with peppermint chips, M&M bits, and sprinkles.
2. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.

Step 9: Final Bake

If desired, sprinkle additional sprinkles on top:
1. Bake at 350°F for another 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Step 10: Cool and Cut

Allow to cool completely before lifting out of the pan using parchment paper:
1. Cut into squares for serving.

Enjoy your delicious Holiday Cookie Bars!

How to Serve Holiday Cookie Bars

Holiday cookie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them at a festive gathering or as a cozy dessert for family, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate complements the sweetness of cookie bars perfectly.
• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee balances the flavors and adds a nice caffeine kick.
• Tea: Choose a spiced chai or peppermint tea for a refreshing contrast.

Add Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm bars, creating a delicious combination.
• Peppermint Ice Cream: For an extra festive touch, try peppermint ice cream to enhance the holiday spirit.

Garnish with Toppings

• Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate adds elegance and extra flavor.

Create Dessert Plates

• Mix and Match Desserts: Serve holiday cookie bars alongside other festive treats like brownies or gingerbread cookies for variety.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges can add a refreshing touch to your dessert plate.

How to Perfect Holiday Cookie Bars

To ensure your holiday cookie bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; underbaking slightly keeps them chewy and moist.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing for clean edges and easier serving.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookie bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Holiday Cookie Bars

Serving side dishes with your holiday cookie bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well with sweet cookie bars, offering a savory contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits provide a light, refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cookie bars.
3. Charcuterie Board: Include cured meats and olives for a savory complement that will satisfy all taste buds.
4. Nuts Selection: Roasted nuts add crunch and depth, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
5. Mini Pies: Serve small pies, such as pecan or apple, to create a diverse dessert spread.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or other treats alongside their cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience while making these delightful Holiday Cookie Bars. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Incorrect chocolate melting method: Always use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water to melt the chocolate evenly without burning it.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accurate ingredient amounts, ensuring the right texture and flavor.
• Skipping parchment paper: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars once baked, preventing them from sticking.
• Baking for too long: Keep an eye on the baking time. The bars should be slightly underbaked for a chewy texture; they will continue to cook in the pan after being removed from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Holiday Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Holiday Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making these delicious Holiday Cookie Bars, here are some answers:

Can I customize my Holiday Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chips for a unique twist.

What can I substitute for coffee extract in Holiday Cookie Bars?

You can replace coffee extract with vanilla extract or even omit it altogether if you prefer no coffee flavor.

How long do Holiday Cookie Bars last?

When stored properly, they can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make Holiday Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them a day or two before serving. Just store them properly as outlined above.

Final Thoughts

These Holiday Cookie Bars are not only festive but also versatile. Their delightful combination of peppermint and mocha flavors makes them perfect for any holiday gathering. You can customize them with various mix-ins, allowing everyone to enjoy their own unique version. Get creative and enjoy baking these treats!