The holidays are busy enough without spending hours decorating individual cookies. That’s where Christmas cookie bars come in — they deliver all the flavour and festivity, without the fuss. From gooey chocolate layers to peppermint crunch and spiced gingerbread bars, these 25 inventive ideas make baking easy and sharing even easier. Whether you’re gifting, hosting, or prepping treats for Santa, these cookie bars simplify dessert time without losing that homemade magic.
1. Classic Sugar Cookie Bars
Soft, buttery, and frosted — these bars taste like your favourite cut-out cookies but take half the effort. Bake a single sheet of sugar cookie dough, cool, then spread vanilla frosting over the top. Add holiday sprinkles for a festive finish. They’re perfect for school parties or last-minute gifts.
2. Peppermint Brownie Bars
Combine rich chocolate brownies with crushed candy canes for a holiday crunch. Spread a thin layer of peppermint frosting over the cooled brownies before sprinkling the candy. It’s a simple upgrade that makes them look bakery-ready without breaking your budget.
3. Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Warm spices make these bars smell like Christmas morning. Mix molasses, ginger, and cinnamon into your dough, then bake until chewy. Top with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of nutmeg. They store well, making them great for gifting.
4. Red Velvet Cookie Bars
These vibrant red bars are rich and chewy, with a hint of cocoa. Mix white chocolate chips into the batter for contrast. Once cooled, drizzle with cream cheese icing. A visually stunning treat that feels festive and fun.
5. Cranberry White Chocolate Bars
Tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate make a classic Christmas combo. These bars are soft in the middle and slightly crisp at the edges. Sprinkle extra cranberries on top before baking for a bright, beautiful finish.
6. Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Skip rolling individual cookies — press your dough into a pan and dust with cinnamon sugar before baking. The result: chewy, buttery bars that taste exactly like the original. Perfect with coffee or hot chocolate.
7. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Layer peanut butter cookie dough with melted chocolate on top. Once cooled, slice into squares. These bars taste like peanut butter cups in cookie form. They’re easy to transport and make great edible gift.
8. S’mores Cookie Bars
A winter twist on a summer favourite. Layer graham crackers, cookie dough, and chocolate chips, then top with mini marshmallows. Bake until golden and gooey. Great for cozy nights by the fire.
9. Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
Heartier than your average cookie, these bars mix oats with tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate. They’re chewy, filling, and freeze beautifully — ideal for prepping ahead of time for holiday guests.
10. M&M Holiday Cookie Bars
Bright, cheerful, and perfect for kids. Mix red and green M&Ms into a simple cookie dough, press into a pan, and bake. They’re colourful, crunchy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday party.
11. Salted Caramel Cookie Bars
Sweet and salty perfection. Layer cookie dough with caramel in the centre, bake, and sprinkle with sea salt. Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate for that extra holiday touch.
12. Chocolate Peppermint Bars
Chocolate meets mint in these rich bars. Add peppermint extract to the dough and top with creamy white frosting. Sprinkle crushed candy canes for colour and crunch. They’re festive and elegant, great for adult dessert trays.
13. Butterscotch Blondie Bars
These buttery blondies get a sweet upgrade from butterscotch chips. Bake, cool, and drizzle with caramel sauce. They come together in minutes and taste amazing with coffee or hot cider.
14. Cherry Almond Cookie Bars
Almond extract adds warmth while cherries bring colour and sweetness. Mix both into the batter for a chewy, nutty treat. Dust with powdered sugar for a snow-like finish — a simple trick that makes them gift-ready.
15. White Chocolate Macadamia Bars
A bakery favourite that’s even easier in bar form. White chocolate and macadamia nuts make these rich but balanced. They keep well for days, making them a smart choice for cookie swaps or road trips.
16. Hot Cocoa Bars
Inspired by your favourite winter drink. Mix cocoa powder into the batter and top with marshmallows before baking. They puff up perfectly in the oven and melt slightly into the chocolate — comfort in every bite.
17. Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
Marry the best of both desserts — gingerbread spice and cheesecake creaminess. Swirl the batter before baking for a marbled look. It’s simple, festive, and tastes like the holidays baked into one pan.
18. Maple Walnut Bars
Rich maple syrup pairs perfectly with crunchy walnuts. Bake until golden, then drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and maple syrup. They’re comforting, fragrant, and great for morning coffee or dessert.
19. Triple Chocolate Cookie Bars
For chocolate lovers, mix three types of chocolate chips into your dough. The mix of textures — melty, crunchy, and chewy — makes every bite feel decadent. Great for gifting in cookie tins.
20. Pecan Pie Bars
Get all the flavour of pecan pie without the hassle of a crust. Pour a pecan filling over cookie dough and bake until bubbly. Slice once cooled. They taste like Christmas dinner’s sweet encore.
21. Raspberry Jam Bars
Sweet and slightly tart, these bars bring a fruity touch to the cookie table. Spread jam between two layers of dough for a soft, crumbly texture. Great for brunch or teatime treats.
22. Brown Sugar Toffee Bars
Sweet, chewy, and buttery. Mix toffee bits into brown sugar dough for a golden, caramelised flavour. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. These bars are simple but unforgettable.
23. Pistachio Shortbread Bars
Crunchy yet tender, these bars look beautiful on holiday platters. Use ground pistachios and a touch of almond extract in the dough. Dust with powdered sugar or dip the ends in melted white chocolate for a classy finish.
24. Candy Cane Oreo Bars
Crush Oreos into your dough and top with peppermint pieces before baking. The mix of chocolate and mint feels festive and indulgent. These bars are perfect for parties — they travel well and disappear fast.
Conclusion
Cookie bars make baking for the holidays simple, fun, and shareable. These 25 inventive ideas save time without sacrificing flavour or creativity. Whether you love peppermint, caramel, or classic chocolate, there’s a cookie bar here that fits every taste and occasion. Bake a few varieties, wrap them in ribboned boxes, and share the sweetness — because Christmas desserts should be as easy as they are joyful.
Hannah Collins is a passionate home cook and food storyteller who believes every recipe tells a little love story. At TastyWriter, she shares simple, delicious recipes made for real kitchens and busy days — from cozy comfort dishes to creative new favorites. When she’s not cooking, you’ll find her photographing food, testing family recipes, or sipping tea while dreaming up her next tasty idea.
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