The holiday season is a perfect time to indulge in festive treats that bring warmth and joy to every gathering. One such delight is the Christmas blondie bar—a rich, buttery, and chewy dessert that’s bursting with holiday flavors.
These bars combine the classic sweetness of vanilla and brown sugar with festive additions like cranberries, white chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to evoke that cozy Christmas spirit. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just to satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth, these blondie bars are sure to become a beloved tradition.
Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, Christmas blondie bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. They’re great for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire.
Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your holiday baking list!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas blondie bars are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one bowl and simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
The combination of brown sugar and vanilla creates a deep, caramel-like flavor that’s perfectly complemented by seasonal mix-ins such as dried cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Unlike traditional brownies, blondies have a lighter, but still satisfyingly chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can customize it with your favorite nuts, spices, or even a festive drizzle of icing.
They hold up well, making them an ideal treat to bake in advance and serve throughout the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk together until smooth and glossy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the blondies tender.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Tips & Variations
For extra festive flair, sprinkle the top of the blondies with red and green sugar crystals before baking.
Here are a few ways to customize your Christmas blondie bars:
- Swap cranberries for chopped dried cherries or raisins for a different fruity note.
- Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a spicier holiday flavor.
- Mix in peppermint candies or chopped Andes mints for a minty twist.
- Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled bars for an elegant finish.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty undertone.
To keep your blondies moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Bar (1/12th of recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Total Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 9g |
Cholesterol | 45mg |
Sodium | 120mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
Dietary Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 25g |
Protein | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
Christmas blondie bars are versatile and pair wonderfully with many festive accompaniments. Serve them warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
For a holiday brunch, cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter alongside fresh fruit and hot beverages like coffee, tea, or spiced cider. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday cookie tray or a gift wrapped beautifully in parchment and ribbon.
Conclusion
These Christmas blondie bars are a must-make for your holiday baking repertoire. Their buttery, chewy texture combined with the bright bursts of cranberries and creamy white chocolate chips captures the essence of the season in every bite.
Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing, they bring festive cheer to any table.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a holiday novice, this recipe promises success and smiles. Don’t forget to bookmark it and try out some of the variations to make it your own.
Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
📖 Recipe Card: Christmas Blondie Bars
Description: These festive blondie bars are loaded with white chocolate, cranberries, and pecans for a perfect holiday treat. They are chewy, buttery, and easy to make for any Christmas gathering.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients.
- Fold in white chocolate chips, cranberries, and pecans.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 33 g
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