Introduction
Get ready to bring some festive cheer to your kitchen with these delightful Christmas Bars! With their rich, buttery flavor, chewy oats, and sweet bursts of chocolate and dried fruit, these bars are the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Easy to bake and even easier to share, they will quickly become a cherished holiday staple in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The texture should be light and fluffy, making your home smell heavenly!
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep those bars chewy!
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries or raisins. Each ingredient adds its unique flavor and texture—feel free to substitute based on your preferences!
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into bars.
- Transfer the bars to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving to enjoy their full flavor!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to get creative with the mix-ins! You can substitute the dried cranberries with chopped dried apricots or swap the nuts for your favorite variety. For an extra festive touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter!
Cooking Techniques
The key to achieving the perfect texture in these Christmas Bars is properly creaming the butter and sugars together. This step introduces air into the mixture, ensuring your bars will be light and delicious. Also, be sure to not overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, as this can make the bars tough. A gentle fold will yield a rich and tender treat!
FAQ
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I freeze the Christmas Bars?
Yes, you can! Once cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Conclusion
These Christmas Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season itself! With their delightful combination of flavors and textures, they’re sure to spread joy at your holiday gatherings. So preheat that oven, gather your loved ones, and whip up a batch of these festive delights. Happy baking!