Introduction to SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
You know those days when time slips away faster than you can say “holiday cheer”? I totally get it. That’s why I love whipping up these SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS. They’re a delightful treat that brings joy to both my family and our festive gatherings. Picture gooey bars filled with chocolate chips, colorful candies, and a creamy topping. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also impress everyone—even the pickiest eaters! The best part? You can customize them based on what’s in your pantry. Trust me, you’ll want to make these a holiday tradition!
Why You’ll Love This SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
These SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS are the perfect solution for busy days and holiday gatherings. They come together in just under an hour, making them an effortless treat to whip up. The combination of sweet chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and chewy toffee bits creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. Plus, everyone can help customize the mix-ins, turning baking into a fun family activity!
Ingredients for SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making scrumptious SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: Softened to create that rich, moist base.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a delightful chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mix to perfection.
- Large eggs: Helps bind everything together; don’t skip this step!
- Vanilla extract: A splash for that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your bars; no sub needed here!
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that contributes to the perfect texture.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance the sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The gooey goodness your bars simply need!
- Holiday candy-coated chocolates: For a festive pop of color and sweetness.
- Mini pretzels: Crush ’em up for a delightful crunch and saltiness!
- Toffee bits: Sweet, buttery pieces that add a unique flavor twist.
- Cream cheese frosting or whipped topping: A smooth, creamy finish that makes them extra indulgent.
- Crushed peppermint candies or holiday sprinkles: Optional, but they add a cheerful touch to your bars!
Feel free to play around with the mix-ins based on your family’s favorites. You can swap out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips, for example. Looking for a lighter version? Use a sugar substitute! For exact measurements, scroll down to the bottom of the article where you’ll find everything laid out for easy printing.
How to Make SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
Making SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS is as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy as bars! Follow these helpful steps, and you’ll create a delicious treat that will have your family asking for more.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. As the oven warms up, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal once your bars are baked to perfection! Who likes a mess, right?
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s like creating a pillow for your bars!
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, it’s time to add the eggs—one at a time. Beat them in well after each addition. Then, add your splash of vanilla extract. The aroma will make your kitchen smell like a holiday dream!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed. Nobody wants a pocket of saltiness in their sweet treat!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! We want your bars to be tender and chewy, not tough like a workout!
Step 6: Fold in Mix-ins
Time to get creative! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, holiday candy-coated chocolates, roughly crushed mini pretzels, and toffee bits. If you saved a bit for the top, now’s the time to sprinkle it in. Your mixture is about to look like a colorful masterpiece!
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, making sure it’s level. Bake for 24 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden, and the center is just set. Avoid the urge to overbake, as we’re aiming for that chewy texture!
Step 8: Cool and Frost
Once baked, let your bars cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here, folks! Once cool, spread the cream cheese frosting or whipped topping generously over the surface. It adds that luxurious touch everyone loves!
Step 9: Serve
Finally, it’s time to slice your SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS into delightful squares. If you added crushed peppermint or sprinkles, don’t forget to showcase that festive flair. Serve them up and watch your family delight in every bite!
Tips for Success
- Always use softened butter for the best creaming results.
- Measure your flour accurately—too much can lead to dense bars.
- Don’t skip cooling the bars completely before frosting; it prevents melting!
- Get the kids involved by letting them choose their favorite mix-ins.
- If using different sprinkles or mix-ins, adjust cooking time to suit your oven.
Equipment Needed for SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
- 9×13-inch baking pan: A standard size for these bars; alternatively, use a larger or smaller pan for different thicknesses.
- Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal; if unavailable, grease the pan well.
- Mixing bowls: Use one large for wet ingredients and one medium for dry.
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars easier; a whisk works too—just more effort!
- Spatula: For folding in mix-ins; you can also use a wooden spoon.
Variations on SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
- For a chocolate overload, substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet ones and add more holiday candies.
- Make them gluten-free by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a pinch of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Try using flavored cream cheese frosting, such as chocolate or vanilla bean, for an extra touch.
- Boost nutrition by incorporating chopped nuts or seeds in place of some of the candies for added crunch and healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions for SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combo.
- Serve with a steaming cup of hot cocoa to enhance the holiday vibes.
- For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Present the bars on a festive platter, garnished with holiday sprinkles.
FAQs about SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
Got questions about the SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries to help you in your baking adventure.
Can I make SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake these bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container after they cool completely. They’ll stay delicious and fresh!
What’s the best way to store leftover bars?
I recommend keeping your SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them for longer, pop them in the fridge!
Can I freeze SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS?
Yes! You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just slice them first, and layer with parchment paper between each piece when you store them in a freezer-friendly container.
Can I customize the mix-ins?
Of course! Feel free to swap the mix-ins based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Experimenting is part of the fun!
Are these bars suitable for special diets?
While they’re not specifically low-carb or vegan, you can adapt the SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS as needed. Use gluten-free flour and sugar substitutes for tailored treats!
Final Thoughts on SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
As the scent of SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS wafts through your kitchen, you’ll find that it brings more than just sweetness to your home. This delectable treat is more about the memories created while baking together, laughter shared over a holiday dessert, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces. Each bar is a delightful reminder that food brings us together, celebrating the flavor of the season. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, these bars are sure to become a cherished recipe in your family tradition. Enjoy the joy they bring!
Print
SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious SANTA’S TRASH COOKINE BARS filled with chocolate chips, holiday candies, and a creamy topping that will delight your family!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup holiday candy-coated chocolates
- 1 cup mini pretzels, roughly crushed
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting or whipped topping
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies or holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, candy-coated chocolates, crushed pretzels, and toffee bits, saving a little for the top.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and scatter the reserved mix-ins over the surface.
- Bake for 24 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Cool the bars completely in the pan.
- Spread the frosting or whipped topping over the cooled bars.
- Finish with crushed peppermint candies or sprinkles.
- Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before frosting.
- Feel free to adjust the mix-ins based on your family’s preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
