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Christmas Squares and Bars: 15 Easy Festive Desserts to Bake

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These Christmas squares and bars are a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing holiday treat packed with chewy, crunchy, chocolatey goodness and hints of spice and toasted nuts. Quick to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re perfect for festive gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or seeds for nut-free)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chunks
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional)
  • Sprinkles, extra nuts, or more dried fruit for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly spray parchment with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes with a hand mixer).
  3. Add flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Spread base mixture evenly into prepared pan. Press down firmly to create a compact layer.
  5. Bake base for 12-15 minutes, until edges are just golden.
  6. While base bakes, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, nuts, dried cranberries, coconut, and orange zest in a bowl. Stir well.
  7. Once base is baked, spoon filling mixture over the top and spread gently to cover.
  8. Return pan to oven and bake for another 20-22 minutes, until edges bubble and top looks set. Toothpick inserted near center should come out mostly clean.
  9. While bars are still warm, sprinkle white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies over the top. Let chocolate melt slightly, then swirl with a spatula. Decorate with extra nuts, sprinkles, or dried fruit as desired.
  10. Cool pan at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for another hour to set. (Or freeze for 20 minutes if needed.)
  11. Lift bars out of pan using parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp, damp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.
  12. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze wrapped squares for up to 3 months.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a GF flour blend. For dairy-free, swap butter for vegan margarine and use coconut condensed milk. Nut-free option: use seeds instead of nuts. Chill bars fully before slicing for neat squares. Decorate with festive toppings for extra holiday flair. Bars taste even better after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday dessert, festive squares, easy baking, chocolate, nuts, coconut, cranberry, potluck, giftable treats

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/christmas-squares-and-bars-15-easy-festive-desserts-to-bake/