The 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas are full of sweet, cozy flavors. They bring joy, warmth and festive cheer 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 beautiful on a dessert tray and make great holiday gifts. Let’s make your Christmas even sweeter with these 12 delicious bars and squares!
Why You’ll Love These 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas
You’ll love these recipes because they’re easy and fun to bake. Each bar has a different taste — some rich and chocolaty, others fruity or nutty.
You can bake one, two, or all twelve for a full dessert platter. 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: Around 1 hour per batch
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: Around 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 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 extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter and mix with sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; stir well.
- Add cocoa and flour; mix until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour into a greased 8×8 pan.
- 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
- Mix flour, butter, and ¼ cup sugar to make crust.
- Press into pan and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Mix eggs, ¾ cup sugar, flour, and lemon juice.
- Pour over crust and bake for 20 minutes more.
- Cool and dust with powdered sugar.
3. Raspberry Crumble Squares
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup butter
- ½ cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Mix flour, oats, sugar, and butter until crumbly.
- Press half in a baking pan.
- Spread jam over it.
- Add remaining crumble on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
4. Pecan Squares
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix flour, butter, and sugar for crust.
- Press into pan and bake 10 minutes at 350°F.
- Beat eggs and mix with brown sugar and pecans.
- Pour over crust and bake 20 minutes.
5. 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
- Mix crumbs and melted butter.
- Press into baking pan.
- Pour condensed milk over crust.
- Sprinkle coconut and chocolate chips.
- Bake 25 minutes at 350°F.
6. 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
- Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and molasses.
- Mix in flour, spices, and baking soda.
- Spread in pan and bake 25 minutes at 350°F.
7. Peppermint Brownie Squares
Ingredients
- 1 batch brownie mix (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- ½ cup white frosting
Instructions
- Bake brownies as usual. Cool them.
- Spread frosting on top.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes.
- Chill and cut into squares.
8. 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
- Mix oats, flour, sugar, and butter.
- Add cranberries and honey.
- Press into pan and bake 25 minutes at 350°F.
9. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Melt butter and peanut butter.
- Stir in powdered sugar. Press into pan.
- Melt chocolate and spread on top.
- Chill until firm, then cut.
10. 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 for top
Instructions
- Mix butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla.
- Stir in flour and baking powder.
- Spread dough into pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Cool, frost, and add sprinkles.
11. Shortbread Squares
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add flour and salt; mix well.
- Press into pan.
- Bake 25 minutes at 325°F. Cool and cut.
12. Rocky Road Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped nuts
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Melt chocolate and butter together.
- Add marshmallows and nuts.
- Spread in pan and chill.
- Cut into squares when firm.
Tips to Make the Best Christmas Bars
- Always line your pans with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Cool bars fully before cutting.
- Add colorful toppings for a festive look.
- Store in airtight boxes to keep them soft.
- Mix different flavors for a fun dessert tray.
Serving Suggestions
Place all twelve bars on a large platter. Add holly leaves or candy canes for decoration. Serve with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. These bars also make lovely gifts in small boxes or tins.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for 4–5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving. Some bars can be warmed slightly before eating for a fresh taste.
FAQs about 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas
Q1: Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, they freeze well. Wrap them tightly before freezing.
Q2: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free flour blends.
Q3: Can I add toppings?
Yes! Add nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle.
Q4: Do I need to chill them before cutting?
Yes, chilling helps make clean cuts.
Q5: Can I give them as gifts?
Yes, they’re perfect for gifting in holiday boxes.
Conclusion!
The 12 Bars and Squares of Christmas bring happiness, sweetness and warmth to your holiday season. Each bar has its own magic and flavor.
You can bake them all or just pick your favorites. They’re simple, tasty and full of Christmas spirit. Try them this year and fill your home with joy, love, and the smell of homemade treats!
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
