12 Bars and Squares of Christmas

The 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas are full of sweet and cozy flavors. They bring joy, warmth and a happy holiday feeling to your home.

These bars are easy to bake and perfect for sharing. You’ll love the mix of chocolate, nuts, fruits, and spices.

They look so pretty on a dessert tray and also make great holiday gifts. Let’s make your Christmas sweeter with these 12 tasty bars and squares.

Why You Will Love These 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas

You will love these because they are simple and fun to bake. Each bar has a special flavor — some are rich and chocolaty, others fruity or nutty.

You can bake one, two or all twelve for a full dessert plate. They make your kitchen smell amazing and your family happy.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas
• Servings: 24 pieces total
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins each batch
• Total Time: About 1 hour per batch
• Course: Dessert / Christmas
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: About 180 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pans (8×8 or 9×13 inches)
• Oven
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Knife for cutting squares

1. Classic Chocolate Fudge Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter and mix with sugar.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, then stir well.
4. Add cocoa and flour. Mix until smooth.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour into a greased 8×8 pan.
7. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool and cut.

2. Lemon Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• ¼ cup lemon juice

Instructions

1. Mix flour, butter, and ¼ cup sugar for crust.
2. Press into pan and bake 15 minutes at 350°F.
3. Mix eggs, ¾ cup sugar, flour, and lemon juice.
4. Pour over crust and bake 20 minutes.
5. Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

3. Raspberry Crumble Squares

4. Ina Garten Apple Pie Bars Recipe

I will also share tips, mistakes to avoid and fun variations. If you love apple desserts, you will enjoy these bars a lot. They are sweet, soft and full of warm spice. Let’s begin this lovely treat.

5. Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars Recipe

They look pretty, taste amazing and are perfect for special occasions. This Pink Coconut Snowball Cake Bars Recipe is a delightful treat you can make quickly.

6. Pecan Squares

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Mix flour, butter and sugar for crust.
2. Press in pan and bake 10 minutes at 350°F.
3. Mix eggs, brown sugar, and pecans.
4. Pour over crust and bake 20 minutes.

7. Coconut Dream Bars

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup butter
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Mix crumbs and melted butter.
2. Press into pan.
3. Pour condensed milk over crust.
4. Sprinkle coconut and chocolate chips.
5. Bake 25 minutes at 350°F.

8. Gingerbread Bars

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions

1. Mix butter and sugar. Add egg and molasses.
2. Add flour, spices, and baking soda.
3. Spread in pan and bake 25 minutes at 350°F.

9. Peppermint Brownie Squares

Ingredients

• 1 batch brownie mix
• ½ cup crushed candy canes
• ½ cup white frosting

Instructions

1. Bake brownies as written. Let cool.
2. Spread frosting on top.
3. Sprinkle crushed candy canes.
4. Chill and cut into squares.

10. Cranberry Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

1. Mix oats, flour, sugar and butter.
2. Add cranberries and honey.
3. Press into pan.
4. Bake 25 minutes at 350°F.

11. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• ½ cup butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Melt butter and peanut butter.
2. Stir in powdered sugar. Press into pan.
3. Melt chocolate and spread on top.
4. Chill until firm. Cut into squares.

12. Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Frosting and sprinkles

Instructions

1. Mix butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla.
2. Stir in flour and baking powder.
3. Spread in pan and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
4. Cool, frost, and add sprinkles.

13. Shortbread Squares

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Mix butter and sugar.
2. Add flour and salt.
3. Press into pan.
4. Bake 25 minutes at 325°F. Cool and cut.

14. Rocky Road Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• ½ cup chopped nuts
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Melt chocolate and butter.
2. Add marshmallows and nuts.
3. Spread in pan and chill.
4. Cut when firm.

Tips to Make the Best Christmas Bars

• Line pans with parchment for easy cleanup.
• Cool before cutting for neat pieces.
• Add colorful toppings for a fun look.
• Store in airtight boxes to keep soft.
• Mix flavors for a pretty dessert tray.

Serving Suggestions

Place all twelve bars on one large plate. Add candy canes or holly for decoration. Serve with hot cocoa, tea or coffee. They also make cute gifts in small boxes or tins.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in airtight containers for 4–5 days. You can freeze them for one month. Let them thaw before eating. Some bars taste nice when slightly warm.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Sugar: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Health Benefits

Some bars have nuts and fruits that give fiber and vitamins. Baking at home helps you use less sugar and butter. The best part is the joy and love that come from baking together.

FAQs about 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas

Q1: Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, wrap them well before freezing.

Q2: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour.

Q3: Can I add toppings?
Yes, add nuts, sprinkles or melted chocolate.

Q4: Should I chill before cutting?
Yes, it helps make clean cuts.

Q5: Can I give them as gifts?
Yes, they are great for gifting in tins or boxes.

Final Thoughts

The 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas bring sweetness, color and joy to your holiday. Each one has its own taste and charm. You can bake one or bake them all.

They are simple, pretty and full of Christmas spirit. Try them this year and share the joy with everyone you love.