Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars

These Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars are everything you love about Christmas cookies, packed into one easy-to-make, gooey, and delicious bar! With a soft, chewy texture and festive add-ins like chocolate chips, sprinkles, and a touch of holiday magic, these cookie bars are the perfect treat for your Christmas celebrations or any time you need a little festive indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup festive holiday sprinkles (red, green, and white)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

For the Gooey Center:

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or more for extra gooeyness)
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal after baking.
Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the mix-ins: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, festive sprinkles, and white chocolate chips (if using). The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Prepare the gooey center: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
Layer the bars: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Pour the melted gooey center mixture over the cookie dough layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Spoon the remaining cookie dough on top of the gooey center, gently spreading it out to cover.
Bake the bars: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set, but still slightly soft (the center will firm up as the bars cool). The gooey center should still be a little melty.
Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares once fully cooled.
Serve and enjoy: These gooey, chocolatey bars are the perfect holiday treat! Serve them as a festive dessert for your Christmas party or as a special gift to friends and family.

Tips:

For extra gooeyness, you can add a little more sweetened condensed milk or chocolate chips to the filling layer.
Feel free to mix in your favorite holiday candies, like crushed candy canes or mini marshmallows, for a fun twist.
These bars store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday indulgence.