Last Updated on October 10, 2025 by recipeinspire
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12 Bars and Squares of Christmas: Best Sweet Treats for Holiday Cheer!
Are you ready to indulge in the delightful world of holiday baking? Did you know that 75% of Americans feel that homemade baked goods are the best part of the holidays? If you’re among the many who crave homemade holiday treats, you’re in for a festive surprise with the 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas. With easy and delicious recipes, tips, and lots of sweet cheer, let’s dive into the season of giving (and tasting)!
Ingredients List

Here’s your essential ingredient list for these delectable sweet treats:
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Flavor Enhancers
- Chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white—whichever you love!)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch)
- Festive spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg)
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for a snowy touch
- Sprinkles for extra fun
- Crushed candy canes for a holiday twist
Timing
Preparation will take around 20 minutes, with an additional 30-45 minutes for baking, totaling approximately 90 minutes—that’s already about 20% less time than the standard holiday baking frenzy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step helps ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finish by blending in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, ensuring not to overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 4: Fold in Flavor
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, nuts, or any other delightful ingredients you desire. This is your chance to get creative!
Step 5: Bake the Bars or Squares
Spread the batter evenly into a prepared baking pan (greased or lined with parchment paper) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end; a toothpick should come out clean when they’re ready.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cut into squares and enjoy a slice of Christmas joy!
Nutritional Information
For those keeping tabs on nutrition, each square (based on a 12-bar recipe) approximately contains:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
While delightful, moderation is key!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to indulge without the guilt? Consider these ideas:
- Sugar Substitutes: Use stevia or monk fruit to reduce calories.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out white flour for whole wheat for added fiber.
- Applesauce: Can replace half the butter for a moist and lower-fat treat.
- Nut Milk: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk to cater to lactose intolerance.
Serving Suggestions
To present these scrumptious treats beautifully:
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside festive fruits like pomegranate or oranges.
- Pair with a hot beverage, such as cocoa or spiced tea, enhancing the cozy vibe.
- Gift in jars for a thoughtful, handmade holiday gift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common slip-ups to ensure your baking success:
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results.
- Overmixing the batter may result in dense bars. Mix just until combined!
- Skipping the cooling step can lead to gooey centers. Patience pays off!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To lock in freshness:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

12 Bars and Squares of Christmas
- Total Time: Approx. 5 hours for all batches
- Yield: 12 varieties, 8–12 pieces each 1x
Description
Celebrate the holidays with 12 festive bars and squares! 🍫🎄 From rich brownies to fruity squares, these treats are perfect for gifting and sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 batch classic brownie mix or homemade brownies
- 1 batch lemon or cranberry bars
- 1 batch pecan or caramel squares
- 1 batch coconut macadamia bars
- 1 batch chocolate chip cookie bars
- 1 batch fudge squares
- 1 batch peanut butter bars
- 1 batch shortbread squares
- 1 batch gingerbread bars
- 1 batch cranberry orange squares
- 1 batch almond or nutty bars
- 1 batch festive sprinkle bars
Instructions
- Prepare each type of bar or square according to its individual recipe or mix instructions.
- Bake in appropriately sized pans, usually 8×8 or 9×9 inches, and cool completely.
- Cut into squares or bars once cooled.
- Arrange all 12 varieties on a festive tray for serving or gifting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
💡 Tip: Mix flavors and textures (chocolate, nutty, fruity) to make the assortment more festive and visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–30 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert, Holiday, Bars & Squares
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar or square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: christmas bars, holiday squares, festive treats, dessert assortment, brownies, cookies, lemon bars
Conclusion
This holiday season, elevate your festive gatherings with these mouth-watering creations from the 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas. With these easy-to-follow recipes and personalized tips, you can create treats that not only taste amazing but also fill your home with the spirit of holiday cheer.
I’d love for you to try these recipes and share your creations! Let me know your favorite combo, or explore more festive delights on our blog today!
FAQs
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as plant-based egg replacements.
How do I know when my bars are done?
Check by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re ready.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have a sufficiently large baking pan and adjust baking time as needed.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for freshness. If freezing, wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Let’s get baking!