Christmas Jewel Squares Recipe Easy Holiday Treats

Get ready to dazzle your taste buds with Christmas Jewel Squares! These festive baking delights are a must-try for your holiday treats lineup. Imagine a mix of crunchy graham crackers, colorful marshmallows, and rich chocolate. It’s a flavor explosion that captures the spirit of the season.

The Christmas Jewel Squares recipe is easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these squares will impress. Their eye-catching appearance and irresistible taste will have everyone reaching for seconds at your next holiday gathering.

The Magic Behind Christmas Jewel Squares

Christmas Jewel Squares are a beloved part of many family traditions. These festive treats have captivated generations with their vibrant look and deep flavors. Let’s explore the enchanting story behind these cherished desserts.

Holiday Cookie Bar Origins

Cookie bars became popular in the mid-20th century. Busy home cooks looked for quicker cookie options. Christmas Jewel Squares were born as a festive twist, blending convenience with holiday cheer.

A Christmas Classic

Several factors made Christmas Jewel Squares a holiday staple:

• Eye-catching appearance
• Simple ingredients
• Make-ahead convenience
• Versatility with different preserves

Families loved these squares, sharing recipes and starting new traditions. The mix of buttery crust and sweet preserves embodies holiday joy.

Jewel-Like Beauty

The name “Christmas Jewel Squares” reflects their stunning look. When cut, they resemble precious gems:

The golden crust sparkles like topaz, while the ruby-hued preserves glisten like garnets.

This dazzling look, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, makes them a holiday favorite. It’s easy to see why these squares are a highlight of holiday dessert tables in America.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

Making Christmas Jewel Squares is easy with the right stuff. These treats mix a tasty cookie base with a fruity jam filling. Let’s look at what you need to make these festive bars.

Base Cookie Layer Components

The base of these squares uses simple things from your pantry:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Selecting the Perfect Preserves

The jam filling is the highlight of these squares. Pick high-quality jam for the best taste. Here are some favorites:

• Raspberry jam for a bright red color
• Apricot preserves for a golden look
• Mixed berry jam for a jewel-toned effect

Required Baking Equipment

Here are the tools you need for smooth baking:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or offset knife for spreading

With these ingredients and tools, you’re set to make Christmas Jewel Squares. The mix of a buttery cookie base and fruity jam makes them a favorite holiday treat.

Christmas Jewel Squares Recipe

Get ready for some festive baking with this delightful christmas jewel squares recipe. These cookie squares are a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. They are a holiday favorite.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Press two-thirds of the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Spread 1 cup of your favorite fruit preserves evenly over the dough. Crumble the remaining dough over the preserves.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

• For extra sparkle, sprinkle sugar on top before baking
• Try different preserve flavors for variety
• Store in an airtight container for up to a week

These christmas jewel squares are sure to become a staple in your festive baking repertoire. Their jewel-like appearance and delicious taste make them perfect for holiday gatherings or as homemade gifts.

Recipe card

Get ready to make delicious Christmas jewel squares with this easy-to-follow recipe card. These holiday treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. Let’s dive into the details of creating these scrumptious easy baked goods.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fruit preserves (raspberry or apricot)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking pan.
2. Mix flour, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt until crumbly.
3. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the pan.
4. Spread preserves over the base.
5. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture and nuts on top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Your Christmas jewel squares recipe is now ready to create mouthwatering holiday treats. These easy baked goods will surely impress your guests and become a new festive favorite.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Cookie Squares

Mastering cookie squares is key for unforgettable Christmas treats. These tips will guide you to success, whether you stick to family recipes or explore new ones.

Achieving the Ideal Texture

The secret to perfect cookie squares is their texture. To get a tender base, don’t overmix the dough. Chill it before baking to stop it from spreading.

Bake until the edges are lightly golden. This will give you a crisp outside and a soft inside.

Storage and Freshness Guidelines

To keep your cookie squares fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Place them between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.

Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your squares are too crumbly, you might have used too much flour. Always measure ingredients carefully. For soggy bottoms, bake the crust before adding toppings.

If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil during baking.

“The secret to great cookie squares is patience and precision. Take your time, measure carefully, and don’t rush the process.”

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if your first try isn’t perfect. With these tips, you’ll soon be making cookie squares that are the best in your family’s collection.

Creative Variations and Serving Ideas

Christmas Jewel Squares are perfect for festive baking. Let’s look at some fun twists on this classic holiday treat.

Seasonal Preserve Combinations

Try different ruby-hued preserves for unique flavors. Cranberry adds a tartness, while fig brings a rich taste. Mix them to create flavors like strawberry-rhubarb or apricot-peach.

Decorative Finishing Touches

Make your Christmas Jewel Squares look amazing with these decorations:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look
• Drizzle with white chocolate for sweetness
• Sprinkle crushed nuts for extra crunch

Packaging for Gift-Giving

Turn your holiday treats into special gifts:

1. Stack squares in clear cellophane bags with festive ribbons
2. Arrange in holiday-themed tins with parchment paper
3. Place in mason jars with handmade gift tags

These ideas will make your Christmas Jewel Squares a hit at any holiday event or as a thoughtful gift. The mix of buttery base and sweet preserves is a perfect holiday treat.

Conclusion

Christmas Jewel Squares have won the hearts of many. They mix the warmth of cookie bars with the festive look of jewel-toned preserves. These squares stand out as a perfect mix of sweet and texture.

Making Christmas Jewel Squares is easy, welcoming all skill levels. Whether you’re a busy parent or a new cook, you can make these treats easily. The recipe’s flexibility lets you add your own twist, making your dessert table special.

Adding Christmas Jewel Squares to your holiday baking is a great idea. They look and taste amazing, perfect for sharing or giving as gifts. By learning this recipe, you start a new tradition that will fill your Christmas with joy and sweetness.