Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent, mouthwatering cookie bar that captures the essence of holiday magic in every single bite! These irresistible Lena's Christmas Necessity Cookie Bars are not just a dessert—they're a tradition waiting to become your family's newest obsession. With a perfect blend of rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a buttery oat base, these bars are guaranteed to transform your holiday baking from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookie bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and baking soda to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly crumbly.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, smoothing out the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The top should look slightly firm to the touch.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cookie bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the cookie bars into 16 squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Serve them warm or at room temperature.
- Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted—this creates the ideal creamy texture when mixing with sugar.
- Use room temperature ingredients for more consistent mixing and better bar texture.
- Don't overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep the bars tender.
- For extra indulgence, consider using a mix of chocolate chips like semi-sweet and milk chocolate.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Let the bars cool completely to allow them to set properly and develop their full flavor profile.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top or drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
