The aroma of baked goods fills the house, a warmth that echoes the joy of the holiday season. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Classic Christmas Jam Bars, a delightful twist on traditional holiday desserts that the whole family will adore. These bars not only offer a satisfying chewiness and cookie-like texture but are also a breeze to whip up, making them an effortless crowd-pleaser for any gathering. With minimal decorating and a beautiful balance of sweet fruit flavors, you’ll have more time to savor those precious moments with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen. So, why not get cozy and discover how you can make these festive treats shine on your holiday table?
Why are Christmas Jam Bars a Must-Try?
Deliciously Festive: These Christmas Jam Bars blend rich fruit flavors with a cookie-like texture, making them a perfect holiday treat.
Effortless Preparation: With their simple assembly, they’re ideal for busy bakers looking to save time during holiday festivities.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves a sweet treat, and these bars are sure to impress family and friends at gatherings! Pair them with coffee for a cozy finish or serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Versatile Options: Feel free to use your favorite jams—whether it’s raspberry, strawberry, or even a citrus twist like orange marmalade, the choice is yours!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep your bars in advance, freeze them, and have a delightful dessert ready to go when guests arrive. Enhance your holiday baking with these easy-to-make bars, and while you’re at it, explore other festive recipes like Fun Christmas Candy and Cranberry Crumble Bars for a whole array of treats to share!
Christmas Jam Bars Ingredients
For the Dough
• Sugar Cookie Dough – A sweet, chewy base that can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
For the Jam Layer
• Fruit Jam or Preserves – The heart of the bars; choose thicker varieties like raspberry or strawberry for best results.
For the Baking Prep
• Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper – Essential for preventing sticky situations; lining the pan ensures easy removal of your delicious Christmas Jam Bars.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Jam Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and lightly coat it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on. Ensure the pan is well-prepped, as this will help your Christmas Jam Bars come out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Create the Crust
Crumble two-thirds of the sugar cookie dough into the prepared pan, using your fingers to evenly press it down to form a compact base. Aim for a uniform thickness, about 1/4 inch should do. This crust will serve as the delicious foundation for your festive bars, so make sure it’s packed tightly for stability.
Step 3: Add the Jam Layer
Spoon your choice of fruit jam or preserves over the pressed cookie crust, spreading it gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Leave a 1/4-inch border around the edges to avoid overflow while baking. The jam will provide a vibrant burst of fruity flavor, essential for these Christmas Jam Bars.
Step 4: Crumble the Topping
Take the remaining sugar cookie dough and crumble it evenly over the jam layer. This topping should loosely cover the fruit jam, creating a nice texture while ensuring that some of the jam peeks through. Aim for an even distribution, as this will help your bars bake evenly and develop a beautiful, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bars, and check them at the 30-minute mark. You want to see a delightful golden brown on top, signaling that your Christmas Jam Bars are ready to come out of the oven and cool down.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving clean cuts. After cooling, use a sharp knife to slice the set bars into squares, revealing the lovely layers of crust and jam to share with family and friends.
Storage Tips for Christmas Jam Bars
- Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the Christmas Jam Bars for up to 2 weeks; just remember to bring them to room temperature for best flavor.
- Freezer: Freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
- Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a cozy, just-baked treat that enhances the fruity flavor.
Expert Tips for Christmas Jam Bars
- Even Jam Layer: Spread a thin, even layer of jam to prevent sogginess; too thick of a layer can lead to a messy outcome when baking.
- Dough Softness: Ensure your sugar cookie dough is softened before crumbling for easy spreading and an even crust; cold dough is harder to work with.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure cleaner edges and a more appealing presentation.
- Parchment Paper: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal; it’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference in cleanup!
- Storage Tips: Store baked Christmas Jam Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer freshness.
Christmas Jam Bars Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make these Christmas Jam Bars your own with these delightful twists!
-
Fruit Jam Options: Swap your favorite fruit jam; try peach or blackcurrant for a fresh flavor change.
-
Nutty Crust: Mix in crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts into the crust for added crunch and richness.
-
Spiced Up Dough: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for warmth and festivity in every bite. Warm spices complement the fruit jam beautifully and enhance the holiday spirit.
-
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cookie dough and ensure your fruit jam is free from added preservatives for a wonderful gluten-free version. Everyone will love these bars, regardless of dietary needs!
-
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a decadent chocolatey finish. This not only adds elegance but also a delightful flavor contrast.
-
Lemon Zest Kick: Stir in lemon zest into the dough for a bright citrus note that pairs perfectly with berry jams. This twist will lift the entire dessert, making it a refreshing option.
-
Crumbly Topping: Use half of the cookie dough for the base and mix the other half with oats for a chewy, crumbly topping that adds texture and heartiness to the bars.
-
Chili Flakes for Heat: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the jam for a surprising hint of heat that balances the sweetness beautifully. It’s an unexpected delight that can elevate the festive flavors!
Explore these variations and feel free to pair these bars with a warm cup of herbal tea or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful holiday treat! While you’re at it, check out other festive delights like Brulee Cheesecake Bars for another scrumptious addition to your holiday baking lineup!
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Christmas Jam Bars are the perfect solution for busy bakers looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie crust and layer it with jam up to 24 hours ahead of baking. Simply cover the assembled bars tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out, sprinkle on the crumbled topping, and pop them in the oven as directed. If you want to extend storage, freeze the unbaked bars for up to 3 months; simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll have delightful Christmas Jam Bars ready to serve at a moment’s notice!
What to Serve with Classic Christmas Jam Bars
The warmth of these flavorful bars invites a delightful array of pairings that will elevate your holiday gatherings.
- Herbal Tea: The soothing flavors of herbal tea complement the sweetness of the jam bars, creating a perfect cozy moment by the fire.
- Rich Coffee: A bold cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the bars, enhancing their fruity flavors and providing a delightful afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm jam bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that merges soft and creamy textures beautifully.
Imagine sitting around the table with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying a slice of the bars alongside a warm drink.
- Fresh Berries: Garnishing with fresh berries adds a pop of freshness and a touch of tartness that brightens the rich flavors of the jam.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate over the bars adds a luxurious touch that brings richness and elegance to your dessert table.
- Spiced Nuts: Offering a side of lightly spiced nuts gives a crunchy contrast, enhancing the chewiness of the bars while adding seasonal warmth.
With these delightful pairings, your Classic Christmas Jam Bars will shine even brighter during the holiday season!
Christmas Jam Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of jam works best for Christmas Jam Bars?
Use thicker jams like raspberry or strawberry for the best results in terms of both flavor and texture. These jams create a nice balance with the cookie base. However, feel free to experiment with other flavors, such as cherry or apricot, based on your preference!
How should I store my Christmas Jam Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To keep them from sticking together, place parchment paper between layers. If you’d like to enjoy them for longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze Christmas Jam Bars before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked bars directly on the baking sheet. Just be sure to cover them well before freezing. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen, extending the baking time by about 5-10 minutes until they’re golden brown. This way, you’ll have fresh bars whenever you need a sweet treat!
What should I do if my bars are soggy?
If your Christmas Jam Bars turn out soggy, it might be due to a thick layer of jam. To avoid this, make sure to spread a thin, even layer of jam. If they’re already baked, allow them to cool in the pan, which can help absorb excess moisture. For future bakes, always check that you’ve used the right jam consistency!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Christmas Jam Bars by using a gluten-free sugar cookie dough. Many brands offer ready-made dough that is gluten-free, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the bars safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Are gluten-free sugar cookie options available for this recipe?
Yes, many brands provide gluten-free sugar cookie dough that can easily swap into this recipe. Alternatively, you could make your own gluten-free dough using a blend of almond flour and coconut flour for a tasty twist. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if your dough is different in texture!
Christmas Jam Bars: A Festive Treat for Sharing Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or parchment paper.
- Crumble two-thirds of the sugar cookie dough into the prepared pan and press it evenly to form a compact base.
- Spread the fruit jam or preserves over the pressed cookie crust, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
- Crumble the remaining sugar cookie dough over the jam layer to create a topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to serve.
