Name: Christmas Bars and Squares: 5 Ways to Spread Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped nuts; 1 cup dried cranberries

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Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s just something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet aromas of treats that bring everyone together. These *Christmas bars and squares* are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. They’re not only delicious but also so easy to whip up! Imagine biting into a square that’s perfectly chewy, with pockets of melted chocolate, crunchy nuts, and tart cranberries all mingling together in a symphony of flavors. Trust me, these festive delights will have your friends and family coming back for seconds (and thirds!). So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will surely become a holiday favorite!

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (your choice, I love walnuts!)
1 cup dried cranberries

How to Prepare Christmas Bars and Squares

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, getting that oven nice and toasty is key for even baking! While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with some butter or cooking spray. This will ensure your delicious creations pop out easily once they’re baked. No one wants to lose a square to the pan, right?

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, let’s cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is super important because it helps to incorporate air for that perfect texture. Then, add in those four large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to pour in the vanilla extract—this is where the magic happens, adding that lovely aroma and flavor!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to make sure everything is evenly distributed and prevents those pesky clumps! Once combined, just set it aside for a moment while we get back to our wet mixture.

Combine Mixtures and Add-ins

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bars to be tender! Now here comes the fun part—fold in those chocolate chips, chopped nuts (I just love walnuts!), and dried cranberries. The colors and textures will make this batter so inviting—you’ll want to dive right in!

Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, making sure it reaches all the corners. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial—it makes cutting into squares so much easier!

Tips for Success

To make sure your *Christmas bars and squares* turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, always check the freshness of your ingredients—especially the baking powder and eggs—since they play a crucial role in rising and texture. When it comes to cooling, I recommend letting the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes cutting a breeze. And don’t skip folding in those add-ins gently; it keeps everything light and fluffy!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these *Christmas bars and squares*, it’s always good to know what you’re getting! Each delightful square is approximately 200 calories, with about 10g of fat and 3g of protein. You’ll also find around 25g of carbohydrates, including 15g of sugar. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, indulge a little and enjoy these festive treats without worry!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your *Christmas bars and squares* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight—no reheating needed! They’re just as delicious served chilled!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these *Christmas bars and squares*? I’ve got you covered! One of the most common questions I get is, “Can I substitute the nuts?” Absolutely! You can swap them with your favorite mix—try pecans or even skip them entirely if you prefer a nut-free treat. Another frequent inquiry is about sweetness. If you like your bars a bit less sweet, you can reduce the sugar by a quarter cup without affecting the texture too much. “Can I add other mix-ins?” Yes! Feel free to toss in some shredded coconut or mini marshmallows for a fun twist. And remember, the more festive, the better! Enjoy experimenting!