Festive Jewel Bars 🎄✨

Recipe: Christmas Jewels 🎄

Description: Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Jewels, a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will elevate your holiday baking to new heights. These bar cookies, loaded with fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips, are sure to become a favorite at your gatherings.

• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 24 bars
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Calories: 185 per serving
• Dietary Information:
  • Fat: 12.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.9g
  • Cholesterol: 8.8mg
  • Sodium: 178.4mg
  • Carbohydrates: 17.6g
  • Fiber: 1.4g
  • Sugar: 10.2g
  • Protein: 2.8g

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup margarine
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups salted mixed nuts
• 1 1/2 cups halved candied cherries
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with 1/3 cup of brown sugar.

2. Incorporate Fats: Cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the margarine is evenly distributed.

3. Form the Base: Press the mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom of an ungreased 15×10 jelly roll pan, creating a uniform layer.

4. Bake the Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the base layer for 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden and set.

5. Prepare Fruit Mixture: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the egg slightly. Stir in the remaining 1/3 cup of brown sugar and a pinch of salt until well combined.

6. Combine Ingredients: To the egg mixture, add the salted mixed nuts, halved candied cherries, and chocolate chips. Toss the mixture lightly to coat all the ingredients evenly.

7. Assemble the Bars: Once the base layer is baked, spoon the fruit and nut mixture evenly over it, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

8. Press Firmly: Press the fruit mixture firmly onto the baked layer to adhere the layers together and ensure the bars hold their shape.

9. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit mixture is set.

10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into approximately 24 bars, or as desired.

These Christmas Jewels are a true delight, offering a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a special treat to enjoy with loved ones, these bar cookies are guaranteed to spread joy and cheer throughout the season. Enjoy the festive spirit with every delicious bite of these Christmas Jewels! 🎅🍪