Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy and nostalgia to every bite. With a delicious blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements, these bars are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. As someone who loves festive baking, I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to ensure it’s both easy and enjoyable for home cooks.
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, butterscotch, and crunchy nuts creates a flavor explosion that captivates everyone.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe has just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy holiday seasons or last-minute gatherings.
- Great for Sharing: Whether it’s a cookie swap or a holiday party, these bars are designed to be enjoyed with friends and family.
- Adaptable Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Nostalgic Fun: I love making these bars because they remind me of the exciting Christmases spent baking with my family.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
These cookie bars come together quickly and are baked until golden and gooey. You’ll love the simplicity of mixing everything in one bowl!
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first made Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars, I underestimated how quickly they would disappear! The biggest challenge was waiting for them to cool, as the aroma wafting from the oven is simply irresistible. I also discovered that using a silicone baking pan helps the bars release easily once cooled.
How to Make Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
To create these delicious cookie bars, you’ll begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking dish with parchment paper. This makes for easy clean-up and ensures the bars don’t stick. Mix your wet and dry ingredients together, fold in the chocolate chips, nuts, and any extra goodies like crushed pretzels or popcorn, then bake until golden. The bars will firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to cut them too soon!
Expert Tips for Success
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science; be sure to measure flour and other ingredients precisely for the best results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother batter, leading to a more even baking process.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and chewy.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for good quality chocolate chips – the richer the chocolate, the more flavorful your bars will be!
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This helps them set properly and reduces crumbling.
How to Serve Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
Serve these delicious bars warm or at room temperature, with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent touch. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a hot cup of cocoa. For a festive presentation, dust some powdered sugar on top or garnish with a sprig of holly.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a gooey treat anytime.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a tasty vegan option.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts, or replace them with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower for added crunch.
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor twist.
Nutritional Highlights
These cookie bars are packed with energy from the sugars and fats but also provide some essential nutrients from the nuts and chocolate. However, it’s worth noting that they are high in calories and sugar, so moderation is key. Always be mindful of nut allergies when serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bars are Crumbly: This might be due to overmixing or not measuring the flour accurately. Aim for a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Undercooked Centers: If the bars are still gooey in the middle, give them an extra few minutes in the oven while keeping an eye on the edges to avoid overbaking.
- Sticking to the Pan: If your bars stick, ensure you line the pan with parchment paper and grease lightly. Letting them cool adequately also helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination for a richer flavor experience. -
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You can tell they’re done when the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. -
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve. -
What is the best way to cut these bars?
For clean slices, use a sharp, non-serrated knife. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to minimize sticking.
Enjoy making Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars! They’re sure to become a beloved treat in your holiday baking repertoire.
Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful holiday cookie bars with a sweet, salty, and crunchy blend, perfect for sharing and nostalgic baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed pretzels or popcorn
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar, mixing well.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Fold in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Add the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, nuts, and any extras like pretzels or popcorn.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden on top.
- Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Notes
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg