Oreo Cookie Holiday Bars

Introduction

When it comes to holiday baking, Oreo Cookie Holiday Bars are a crowd-pleaser. These delicious treats combine the classic flavors of Oreo cookies with a festive twist, making them perfect for any holiday gathering or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. So, let’s get started and make this holiday season a little extra sweet!

Ingredients

For the crust:

2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream

For the topping:

1 cup crushed Oreo cookies
1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes (optional)

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the crust

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, forming an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to press the crust down firmly.

Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the bars

Remove the crust from the refrigerator and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top.

Sprinkle the crushed Oreo cookies over the filling, pressing them gently into the cream cheese layer.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the bars, using a spoon or a piping bag.

If desired, sprinkle festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes over the chocolate for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Step 4: Chill and serve

Place the Oreo Cookie Holiday Bars in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set.

Once chilled, cut into bars and serve. These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations

While the classic Oreo Cookie Holiday Bars are sure to please, feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the Oreo cookie crust for an extra crunch.
Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different Oreo flavors, such as mint or peanut butter, to create unique and delicious combinations.
Top the bars with a drizzle of caramel or dulce de leche for a gooey and decadent twist.

Tips

For easier cutting, run a knife under hot water before slicing the bars.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy filling.
To crush the Oreo cookies, you can use a food processor, blender, or simply place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar to the filling.

Conclusion

Oreo Cookie Holiday Bars are a delightful treat that will bring joy to your holiday celebrations. With their irresistible combination of Oreo cookies, creamy filling, and festive toppings, these bars are sure to become a new holiday favorite. Whether you serve them at parties or give them as gifts, these bars are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and let the holiday baking begin!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought Oreo crumbs instead of crushing the cookies myself?

Yes, you can use store-bought Oreo crumbs instead of crushing the cookies yourself. Simply measure out the required amount and proceed with the recipe as directed.

2. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

While the Oreo cookie crust adds a delicious flavor to these bars, you can certainly experiment with other types of cookies. Graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies would make great alternatives.

3. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze Oreo Cookie Holiday Bars. Once fully chilled and set, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

4. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?

While whipped topping can be used as a substitute for whipping cream, it may result in a slightly different texture and taste. Whipping cream will give you a richer and creamier filling.

5. Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, you can make Oreo Cookie Holiday Bars in advance. Simply follow the recipe as directed and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They can be made up to 2 days ahead of time.