A Festive Holiday Delight Recipe

If you are searching for the ultimate sweet treat to brighten up your winter celebrations, look no further than this Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars recipe. This A Festive Holiday Delight combines the soft, buttery texture of classic sugar cookie bars with the irresistible peppermint charm of candy cane kisses and crushed candy canes. It’s the perfect balance of sugary goodness and minty freshness that will instantly transport you to cozy holiday moments with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want to indulge in something merry, these bars deliver a joyful punch with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a few straightforward ingredients makes this recipe both accessible and delightful. Each component plays a vital role in creating the soft texture, rich flavor, and festive look these bars are loved for.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation that gives structure to your bars, ensuring the perfect crumb.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps your bars rise just enough for a tender, light bite.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances the sweetness while deepening flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds rich creaminess and moisture, key for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Brings classic sweetness and slight crispness around the edges.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Infuses a subtle caramel note and extra chewiness.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together with their moisture and structure.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Candy cane kisses, unwrapped (1 cup): Infuse creamy peppermint swirls for that iconic holiday touch.
• Crushed candy canes (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and bursts of minty brightness throughout.

How to Make A Festive Holiday Delight

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once your dough is mixed. Grease a baking pan to ensure the bars come out cleanly without sticking—this simple step guarantees your festive masterpiece stays whole and beautiful when sliced.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, so your bars bake to a uniform texture and rise perfectly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using electric beaters or a sturdy wooden spoon. This step is where the magic begins—the sugars aerate the butter creating a fluffy, smooth base that will lend the bars their rich, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Incorporating these wet ingredients brings moisture and enriches the dough, while the vanilla imparts that classic holiday warmth that makes this A Festive Holiday Delight so irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually stir the flour mixture into the butter-sugar blend. Add it slowly to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the dough. You want just enough mixing to bring everything together into a luscious cookie bar batter ready for its festive additions.

Step 6: Fold in the Candy Cane Kisses and Crushed Candy Canes

Here’s where the holiday magic truly shines. Gently fold in the candy cane kisses and crushed candy canes. The kisses melt slightly, giving pockets of creamy peppermint, while the crushed bits add delightful crunchy bursts throughout. This is the signature element that turns ordinary cookie bars into A Festive Holiday Delight.

Step 7: Spread and Bake

Spread the dough evenly in your greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the middle is set. The aroma of peppermint and vanilla wafting through your kitchen will be an exciting preview of the deliciousness to come.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. This resting time helps them firm up and makes slicing easier. Each bar will have that perfect chewy yet tender texture that makes this recipe a standout during the holiday season.

How to Serve A Festive Holiday Delight

Garnishes

Garnishing your bars enhances their festive appeal while adding texture contrast. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic snowy sparkle, or top with a drizzle of white chocolate for added decadence. Fresh peppermint leaves or mini candy canes on the side bring a charming seasonal flair perfect for holiday parties.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with warm beverages like hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea completes the cozy feeling. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These accompaniments balance the minty sweetness and create an unforgettable holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation elevates the experience of A Festive Holiday Delight. Arrange the bars on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or red and green parchment paper. Alternatively, wrap individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon—perfect for gifting or as thoughtful hostess treats. Elevate your dessert table conversation with these charming presentation ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy holiday weeks. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft texture and peppermint crunch without drying out.

Freezing

To enjoy your A Festive Holiday Delight even later, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer bag or container. Properly stored, they will keep well for up to three months. When ready, thaw at room temperature to preserve that delicious chewy texture.

Reheating

For that freshly-baked warmth, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until just warm. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out. This quick step revives the soft, buttery joy and melts the peppermint kisses slightly, giving you the feeling of getting a fresh batch straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use different types of peppermint candies?

Absolutely! While candy cane kisses and crushed candy canes create the signature flavor and texture for this A Festive Holiday Delight, you can experiment with peppermint bark or other mint candies. Just be mindful of melting properties and sugar content to maintain the right balance.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but the peppermint flavor and festive spirit will still shine through beautifully.

Can I make the dough ahead of time before baking?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow chilled dough to come back to room temperature slightly before spreading it in the pan for even baking results.

What is the best way to crush candy canes?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or use the bottom of a heavy pan. Aim for a variety of small pieces and fine bits to create interesting texture contrasts in the bars.

How do I ensure my bars come out chewy, not cakey?

Use the exact ratios of butter and sugars, avoid overmixing the batter, and do not overbake. Removing the bars just as they turn golden at the edges keeps them soft and chewy in the center, which is the hallmark of this A Festive Holiday Delight.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about bringing a homemade treat like Candy Cane Kiss Sugar Cookie Bars to your holiday table. I truly believe that this A Festive Holiday Delight has the perfect combination of nostalgic flavors, festive charm, and easy-to-follow steps that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy creating a joyful tradition that will keep your celebrations merry and bright year after year.

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