Christmas Dessert Bars Recipe

These Christmas Dessert Bars are festive, delicious, and perfect for holiday gatherings! With layers of cookie, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, they are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients List

For the Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Topping

• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (or holiday sprinkles)
• Optional: Additional chocolate drizzle for garnish

Timing

Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this dish:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Make the Base

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread in Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add Sugar, Vanilla, and Egg: Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined and smooth.
3. Spread Over Base: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie base in the pan.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
2. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings

1. Melt Chocolate: If using, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
2. Drizzle: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Slice into Bars: Once the chocolate has set, slice the dessert into squares or bars.
2. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas dessert bars!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per bar (assuming 24 bars):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	100mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	10g
Protein	2g

Tips for Success

To ensure your Christmas Dessert Bars turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking to avoid overbaking; they should be set but still soft in the center.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Chilling the bars in the fridge for a bit before slicing can help achieve cleaner cuts.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the base for added texture.
• Fruit Layer: Add a layer of cranberry or raspberry preserves before the cream cheese layer for a fruity twist.
• Different Toppings: Use crushed Oreos or festive sprinkles instead of candy canes for a different look.

Conclusion

These Christmas Dessert Bars are a delightful addition to any holiday spread. They are easy to make, visually appealing, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect treat for family and friends!

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best results.

What can I serve with these bars?

These dessert bars pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat!

Enjoy making and sharing these festive Christmas Dessert Bars!

Christmas Dessert Bars Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

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Ingredients

• For the Base
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Cream Cheese Layer
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• For the Topping
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (or holiday sprinkles)
• Optional: Additional chocolate drizzle for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Base

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Spread in Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add Sugar, Vanilla, and Egg: Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined and smooth.
3. Spread Over Base: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie base in the pan.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
2. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings

1. Melt Chocolate: If using, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
2. Drizzle: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled bars and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Slice into Bars: Once the chocolate has set, slice the dessert into squares or bars.
2. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas dessert bars!