Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Or perhaps a Christmas filled with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies? This year, skip the individual cookie cutting and embrace the ease and elegance of a Christmas cookie bar! This festive treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging in a delicious homemade dessert. It's surprisingly simple to make, offering a delightful variety of flavors and textures all in one stunning display. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Cranberry-Orange Topping:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup orange zest
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Festive Sprinkles:
- Assorted Christmas-themed sprinkles (red, green, silver)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix! Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 2: Bake the Base:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool completely before adding the toppings. This is crucial for a clean, neat cookie bar.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache:
While the crust cools, prepare the ganache. In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips and butter. Let it sit for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookie Bar:
Once the crust is completely cool, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the shortbread base.
Step 5: Add the Cranberry-Orange Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, orange zest, and sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chocolate ganache.
Step 6: Decorate and Chill:
Generously sprinkle with your Christmas-themed sprinkles. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cookie bar to set completely.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in your ganache.
- Don't overbake the shortbread crust; it should be lightly golden, not brown.
- If you prefer a thinner cookie bar, you can use a smaller baking pan.
- Get creative with your toppings! Try chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or different dried fruits.
Variations:
- Peppermint Chocolate Cookie Bar: Add crushed candy canes to the chocolate ganache.
- Gingerbread Cookie Bar: Use gingerbread cookie dough for the base and add a cream cheese frosting instead of ganache.
- Nutty Chocolate Cookie Bar: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the shortbread base.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and serving size. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients. However, expect a moderately high calorie, fat, and sugar content, typical of a dessert.
This Christmas cookie bar is a simple yet elegant dessert that's perfect for sharing. The combination of buttery shortbread, rich chocolate ganache, and tart cranberry-orange topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy creating and sharing this festive treat this holiday season!