Classic Christmas Jam Bars | Easy, Nostalgic & Delicious

There’s something special about baking when the house smells like pine and cinnamon. The oven hums, the lights twinkle, and trays of buttery cookie treats line the counter. These Classic Christmas Jam Bars fit right into that moment warm, fruity, and golden. They’re just two ingredients, but they taste like the kind of holiday magic that takes hours.

Why You’ll Love These Classic Christmas Jam Bars

These bars are everything we crave during the holidays: sweet, buttery, and nostalgic. You’ll love how easy they are just cookie dough and jam yet how impressive they look on a dessert tray. The golden crust holds a layer of jewel-toned jam that sparkles under the lights. You can switch up the jam flavors to match your mood, from raspberry to apricot. They pack well for gifting and freeze perfectly for last-minute treats. Most of all, these Classic Christmas Jam Bars deliver that comforting mix of chewy cookie and sticky-sweet jam that reminds everyone of home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need two ingredients for these Classic Christmas Jam Bars:

• Refrigerated sugar cookie dough (16 oz): A sturdy yet tender base that bakes up golden and soft. Any store brand works beautifully.
• Fruit preserves or jam (about 2/3 cup): Choose a thick jam for the best texture. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot hold up especially well and bring rich color.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Classic Christmas Jam Bars

Step 1 – Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a bit of overhang so you can lift the bars out easily once cooled.

Step 2 – Form the Cookie Dough Base

Take about two-thirds of the sugar cookie dough and press it into the pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer. If the dough feels too firm, let it soften slightly for easier spreading.

Step 3 – Add the Jam Layer

Spread your chosen jam over the crust. Leave a small border around the edges so it doesn’t bubble over while baking. You want a thin, even layer that peeks through the topping later.

Step 4 – Add the Crumb Topping

Crumble the remaining dough over the jam. Don’t worry about making it perfect those uneven crumbles bake into a rustic, golden finish that looks beautiful on any dessert table.

Step 5 – Bake and Cool

Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top turns light golden and the jam starts to bubble gently. Let the pan cool completely before slicing. Once cool, lift the parchment, and cut into 12–16 bars. The clean edges reveal a lovely jam stripe in every bite.

Pro Tips for Perfect Jam Bars

Avoid using too much jam; a thin layer prevents sogginess and ensures even baking. If the dough sticks, soften it slightly before pressing. Cooling completely is key for neat cuts. Use parchment with a bit of overhang to lift out the bars easily. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Best Jam Flavors and Substitutions

Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, cherry, or cranberry sauce all work wonderfully. For a cozy twist, try apple butter or marmalade. Thick jams create the best texture, while runny ones may seep into the crust. You can also swap the dough: use chocolate chip cookie dough (without the chips) or homemade sugar cookie dough for a more personal touch.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

These Classic Christmas Jam Bars go perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Add them to your holiday dessert boards beside peppermint bark brownies for holiday dessert trays. They’re travel-friendly and look beautiful in tins for gifting. You can even serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert night.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store your jam bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To freeze, stack them with parchment between layers and seal tightly for up to three months. For unbaked bars, freeze the entire pan and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Rewarm gently at 300°F for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–55 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Yield: 12–16 bars
Calories (whole batch): 2200–2400
Protein: 16–20 g
Fat: 80–90 g
Carbs: 350–380 g
These Classic Christmas Jam Bars deliver buttery cookie goodness with a festive fruit filling — ideal for gifting or cozying up at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Such Recipes

• easy cherry pie cookie cups for festive baking
• banana pudding cheesecake bars for rich seasonal treats
• red white and blue cheesecake bars for holiday gatherings
• patriotic sugar cookie bars with festive colors
• cherry pie bites as simple sweet holiday snacks
• cherry clafoutis recipe with a custardy twist

Conclusion

There’s real joy in simple recipes like these Classic Christmas Jam Bars. They’re sweet, quick, and full of that nostalgic Christmas warmth. Whether you bake them for friends, add them to a cookie swap, or enjoy one quietly with coffee by the tree, these bars make the season taste just right. For more holiday ideas, visit Kai Recipes on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook.

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