Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Skill Level: Easy
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal of the bars.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be mindful not to overbake – you want a soft and chewy texture!
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Helpful Tips:
- For a festive touch, add a handful of dried cranberries or coconut flakes to the dough.
- If you’re a fan of extra gooey bars, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
- Press a few extra white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts on top before baking for a visually appealing presentation.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months; just make sure to layer parchment paper between the bars to prevent them from sticking together.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you don’t have macadamia nuts on hand, feel free to substitute with walnuts or pecans. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free white chocolate chips and vegan butter.
Pairings:
These cookie bars are delightful on their own, but if you’re hosting a gathering, consider pairing them with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy vanilla latte, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also complement well with fresh fruit salads or a light, zesty lemon tea.