Name: Chocolate Covered Christmas Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-489318H43M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for the dough); 2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (for topping); 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil (for chocolate topping); Holiday sprinkles, for garnish

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A festive pan‑bar dessert combining a buttery cookie base topped with rich chocolate and holiday sprinkles—easy to slice and serve at gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie bars bring together the best of two worlds: the familiar comfort of a cookie plus the ease of a bar to make and serve. They’re perfect for holiday entertaining because you can decorate them in a festive way, make them ahead of time, and portion them easily.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

all‑purpose flour
baking soda
salt
butter (melted or softened)
brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
mixed chocolate (chips or chopped pieces)
melted chocolate for topping
holiday sprinkles or chopped nuts

directions

Pre‑heat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt.
In another large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until blended.
Add eggs and vanilla, mix until smooth.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it gently.
Bake for approximately 20‑25 minutes (or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set). Avoid over‑baking so the bars remain soft.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer (via parchment overhang) to a wire rack to cool almost completely.
Melt the topping chocolate and spread over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with holiday decorations (sprinkles, chopped nuts, festive candies). Let the topping set.
Once fully set, cut into bars and serve.

Servings and timing

Yields approximately 24 bars. Preparation time about 15 minutes, baking time about 20‑25 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling and 30 minutes for topping to set — total roughly 1 hour.

Variations

Swap in white chocolate or milk chocolate for the topping.
Add chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) or dried fruit to the base dough for extra texture.
Replace holiday sprinkles with crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
Make a gluten‑free version by using a gluten‑free all‑purpose flour blend.

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep refrigerated up to 5 days. To serve warm, microwave a bar for 10‑15 seconds to soften the chocolate topping.

FAQs

What kind of pan should I use?

Use a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) rectangular baking pan for the best thickness and bake time.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?

Yes — chocolate chips work fine for both the base and topping. If using chips for topping, you may need slightly more time to melt and set.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this recipe is designed to be mixed and baked immediately — no chilling required.

How do I get clean bar slices?

Once the topping is set, use a sharp, non‑serrated knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps with neat edges.

Can these bars be frozen?

Yes — wrap individual bars in plastic wrap then foil, and place in a freezer‑safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Will they stay soft if stored?

Yes, they remain soft if not over‑baked and stored in a sealed container.

Can I make them smaller (e.g., 8×8 inch pan)?

You can, but the bars will be thicker and require a longer bake time — check doneness by edges golden and center set.

What if my topping doesn’t set?

Ensure your topping chocolate is fully cooled and the bars are at room temperature before spreading. Place in a cool location (not humid).

Are these suitable for holiday gifting?

Absolutely. Once cooled and cut, wrap each bar or group in decorative cellophane or place in a festive tin.

Can I add flavor extracts?

Yes — consider a hint of peppermint extract in the chocolate topping or a teaspoon of orange extract in the base for a citrus twist.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Covered Christmas Cookie Bars are an easy yet festive dessert that offers the comfort of cookies with the convenience of bars. With a rich base, decadent chocolate topping and fun holiday decorations, they’re ideal for sharing, gifting or enjoying throughout the season.