Save to Pinterest Soft, chewy cookie bars infused with warm chai spices and studded with colorful sprinkles for a festive twist on a classic treat.
I developed these cookie bars to combine my love of chai tea with the cheerful vibe of classic funfetti treats. They quickly became a favorite for family celebrations and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cardamom: 1/4 tsp
- Ground allspice: 1/4 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: 3/4 cup (170 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: 1 cup (200 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies preferred): 1/2 cup (80 g)
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Blend wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture; whisk until fully incorporated.
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in sprinkles:
- Gently fold in the sprinkles.
- Spread dough:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and cut:
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save to Pinterest My youngest always requests these bars for birthday parties—a sweet tradition that fills our kitchen with smiles and sprinkles!
Required Tools
You’ll need a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan, parchment paper for easy removal, mixing bowls, a whisk, spatula, and measuring cups for precision.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, eggs, and milk. Sprinkles may include traces of soy or nuts—always check the packaging.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Each bar has about 225 calories, 10 g total fat, 31 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these cheerful chai-spiced bars on cozy afternoons or festive parties. They’re sure to bring a bit of warmth and color to your table.
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can I use nonpareil sprinkles?
Jimmies are recommended because nonpareils tend to bleed color and may affect the appearance of the bars.
- → How should I store these bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness.
- → Can I increase the chai flavor?
For a stronger chai note, add a pinch more cardamom or a splash of chai concentrate to the dough.
- → Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these bars are vegetarian as they contain eggs and milk but no meat or gelatin ingredients.
- → Can I add other mix-ins?
White chocolate chips or chopped nuts may be added for extra flavor and texture, if desired.
- → Do the bars freeze well?
Bars can be frozen for up to two months; thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.