Christmas Blondie Bars

21 December 2025

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21 December 2025

3.8 (69)

total time

servings

60 kcal

calories

Introduction

Christmas Blondie Bars are a festive twist on a classic treat. They combine a buttery, chewy base with the bright flavors of the season. The bars bake up into golden edges with a tender center that holds pockets of melted white chocolate and tart cranberries. This recipe is friendly for bakers of all levels and shines at cookie swaps, potlucks, or family gatherings around a twinkling tree. The cookie bar format is ideal for feeding a crowd because you can slice generous squares that are easy to transport and share. To keep things simple, keep a single bowl, a spatula, and a pan ready, and you can whisk this together in under an hour, with cooling time afterward. The key to peak flavor is balance: sweet but not cloying, with tart cranberries providing a bright contrast to the rich butter base. You can customize with crushed peppermint, toasted nuts, or extra white chocolate if you love a dessert that feels luxurious yet approachable. These bars also store beautifully, which makes them a smart make-ahead option for holiday entertaining. As you prepare these Christmas Blondie Bars, you will notice how the familiar blondie texture accepts festive ingredients without losing its comforting charm. They are not only delectable but also visually appealing, making them a welcome addition to any festive dessert table.

Gathering Ingredients

To assemble this holiday treat, start with a small pile of pantry staples and a few seasonal accents. For the batter you will need unsalted butter, light brown sugar and granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness and dried cranberries for a Christmas pop of tart fruit. A handful of chopped pecans adds a subtle crunch and a toasty note that pair beautifully with vanilla. Here is a practical list with approximate amounts you can prepare ahead: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup white chocolate chips, 1 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pecans. For a peppermint twist, a pinch of peppermint extract can be added or you can sprinkle crushed candy canes on top after baking. Make sure ingredients are at room temperature so the batter comes together smoothly. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. With these ingredients ready, you are just minutes away from a festive, crowd pleasing dessert that tastes like Christmas in every bite.

Equipment and Prep

Equipment and prep are simple, making this recipe approachable for beginners and reliable for experienced bakers. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Gather two mixing bowls, a whisk or wooden spoon, a rubber spatula, and basic measuring cups and spoons. You may use an electric mixer if you prefer, but a sturdy spoon and good stirring technique will also yield a smooth batter. Having a couple of bowls helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate until you are ready to combine. You will also want a cooling rack, a sharp knife, and a cutting board for neat slicing once the bars are cool. The dry ingredients go in one bowl — flour, baking powder, and salt — while the wet ingredients go in another — melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. The batter comes together quickly, and the inclusions of white chocolate chips, cranberries, and pecans add texture and festive flavor. Preparing your tools and workspace ahead of time ensures a relaxed baking session, especially during the busy holiday season when you want reliable, delicious results without stress or fuss. Note: keep all ingredients at room temperature before mixing so the batter comes together evenly and bakes to a uniform doneness.

Cooking Process

Cooking Process: Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan until it is just melted and fragrant. Remove from heat and whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let it cool for a few minutes so eggs don’t scramble. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in white chocolate chips, cranberries, and pecans, taking care not to overwork the batter. Spread the thick, glossy batter into the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 25 to 28 minutes, until the top looks set and the edges are light golden. The center should still be slightly soft; it will continue to firm as it cools. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. For a clean slice, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut with a sharp knife. Optional: sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just as the bars come out of the oven for a subtle contrast. This process yields a chewy, buttery blondie that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite.

Cooling and Slicing

After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important to let the set structure firm so the bars hold their shape when cut. For easier slicing, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to an hour; this firms the center and makes clean, neat squares possible. When ready, lift the whole slab from the pan using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut into 16 to 24 squares, depending on your preferred size. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to keep edges tidy. If you want a more rustic look, you can cut into larger bars for a shareable treat, or into smaller bite sized pieces for a cookie tray. For presentation, dust with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple white chocolate glaze. Storing at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days works well in cool climates; for longer storage, wrap well and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to one month. These steps ensure you have a consistent texture and flavor through any holiday event. Tip: chilling before slicing makes the bars easier to handle and gives you perfect, clean edges every time.

Flavor Variations

Classic Christmas Blondie Bars can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a deeper chocolate note, swap half of the white chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips. If you prefer a brighter cranberry profile, increase the amount of cranberries or add dried cherries. Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a festive minty bite that pairs beautifully with the white chocolate. For a more toasty texture, use roasted almonds or walnuts in place of pecans. A little citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, adds a lively brightness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness. For a gluten free version, use a 1:1 gluten free all purpose flour blend and ensure your mix ins do not contain gluten. You can also lighten the recipe by reducing sugar or swapping some butter for Greek yogurt for tang and moisture. However, keep the ratio of dry to wet ingredients roughly the same to maintain the chewy texture that makes blondies so appealing. With these variations you can tailor Christmas Blondie Bars to your mood and guests while preserving the creamy, buttery base that defines the treat. Experiment safely by changing one element at a time to maintain balance while exploring new festive flavors.

Decoration Ideas

The festive look for Christmas Blondie Bars can be enhanced with simple, inexpensive decorations. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to evoke a snowy finish, or sprinkle with crushed candy canes for color and crunch. A drizzle of melted white chocolate across the top creates delicate lines of sweetness that catch the light. For an elegant presentation, cut bars into perfect squares and arrange on a platter with evergreen sprigs, cranberries, or cinnamon sticks. You can wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with red twine for charming hostess gifts. If you want a more rustic vibe, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans on top before the bars set, or press whole cranberries into the surface just after spreading the batter. These finishing touches require no extra baking and can be adjusted to suit your party theme. The result is a dessert that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or a family cookie plate. The key is to choose decorations that reflect the season and coordinate with your existing table decor. Have fun with color by adding red and green sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive look that photographs beautifully. Note: decorations should be added after baking and cooling to avoid interfering with texture.

Serving and Pairing

Christmas Blondie Bars pair well with a hot beverage or a festive cocktail. Serve alongside strong coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate to balance the sweetness. A glass of sparkling cider or a light dessert wine can elevate the seasonal feel without overpowering the flavors. For a light breakfast or brunch option, cut into smaller squares and serve with fresh berries and whipped cream. These bars also make a great addition to a dessert board with a variety of cookies, brownies, and fudge. For leftovers, store in an airtight container at room temperature if the climate is cool, or refrigerate to extend freshness. Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds to soften the center before serving. The combination of chewy texture, buttery flavor, and festive mix ins makes these bars a versatile choice for any Yuletide gathering. If you want to gift them, wrap in frosted paper, tie with ribbon, and include a simple label with the flavor and date. Pair with a seasonal playlist and a warm fireplace for the quintessential Christmas dessert moment. Note: adjust portions to match your guest list and desired sweetness level while preserving the core chewiness that defines blondies. Enjoy these bars with friends and family, and let the holiday spirit shine through every bite.

Final Presentation

The finished Christmas Blondie Bars present beautifully on a festive platter or wrapped as small holiday treats. Cut them into uniform squares to create a clean, inviting look. A light dusting of powdered sugar resembles fresh snow, while a few silver or red sugar crystals add a subtle sparkle. If you prefer a more rustic display, place bars on a wooden board beside a mug of cinnamon tea and a few pine sprigs. To finish, you can drizzle a small amount of white chocolate over the edges for a glossy shine. The bars are best served at room temperature to keep the texture chewy and tender. For gift giving, wrap them in clear boxes, layered with tissue paper and a ribbon, and include a simple label with the flavor and date. This final touch ties together the flavors of butter and vanilla with the brightness of cranberries, making Christmas Blondie Bars a timeless addition to any holiday menu. Image ready plating ideas: arrange on a white platter with evergreen branches and cranberries for a picture perfect holiday scene. Tip: keep a small bowl of extra cranberries on the side to refresh the color on the platter before guests arrive. Enjoy the festive moment and share the joy of baking.