Discover the 2-Ingredient Holiday Bars You Can Whip Up in No Time!

The holiday season is synonymous with delicious snacks. There isn’t a day in December that I don’t indulge in a sweet treat—whether it’s a Christmas cookie, a slice of mint brownie, or a homemade truffle, I’m all in. I make sure to prepare a new batch of these goodies every few days, sharing some with friends and keeping a reserve for my own sweet tooth.

Although I’m passionate about baking and find holiday baking particularly joyful, I don’t always have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. With all the decorating, party attending, and shopping, the holidays are a busy time. That’s when I turn to my quick and easy 2-ingredient jam bars.

This recipe calls for just two basic ingredients: refrigerated sugar cookie dough and your choice of jam. Simply shape the dough into bars and fill them with jam for a result that’s buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet. These bars are so deceptively simple, everyone will think you spent much more time on them than you actually did.

Selecting the Perfect Jam

What I love about this dessert is how it’s perfect for using up any jam left in your fridge. You can mix and match flavors for a unique twist.

My go-to jam for these bars is raspberry because of its rich flavor and slight tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cookie dough beautifully. I recommend using jam or preserves over jelly for the best texture, though any type will suffice.

Creating 2-Ingredient Jam Bars

To whip up one 8×8-inch pan, or 12 to 16 bars, you’ll need:

• 1 (1-pound) log of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
• 2/3 cup of your favorite jam or preserves

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8 pan by lightly coating it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.

Crumble approximately two-thirds of the cookie dough into the pan, pressing it into an even base layer. Spoon the jam over the dough layer, spreading it out but leaving about a quarter-inch margin around the edges. Crumble the remaining dough on top, creating a crumbly topping that covers the jam evenly.

Bake until the top turns a light golden brown and the jam sets firmly, about 30 to 35 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Store them in an airtight container for up to three days.

Simple Enhancements

These bars are delightful on their own, but here are a couple of simple ideas to add a little extra flair:

• Nuts: Add up to 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
• Powdered sugar: After cutting, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.