Gluten-Free Eggnog-Glazed Macadamia-Toffee Bars
These festive bar cookies combine a buttery sugar cookie base loaded with crunchy macadamia nuts and chocolate toffee bits, topped with a sweet eggnog glaze and a sprinkle of warm nutmeg. The rich, creamy glaze adds holiday flavor that pairs beautifully with the tropical macadamia nuts and caramelized toffee pieces. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or when you want an impressive dessert that's easier than individual cookies. The bars can be made ahead and the glaze sets to create clean, bakery-style squares.
Ingredients
- 1 pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix, 17.5 oz
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped
- ½ cup milk chocolate toffee bits, plus 2 tablespoonsmini chocolate chips1:1chocolate
different texture
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F and spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray
- 2
Stir cookie mix, softened butter and egg in large bowl until soft dough forms
- 3
Stir in chopped nuts and 1/2 cup of the toffee bits until well combined
- 4
Press dough in bottom of prepared pan
- 5
Bake 20 to 24 minutes or until golden brown
- 6
Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 hour
- 7
Stir powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of the eggnog and vanilla in small bowl
- 8
Add remaining eggnog, 1 teaspoon at a time, until easily drizzled
- 9
Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled bars
- 10
Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons toffee bits and nutmeg
- 11
Let glaze set before cutting into 9 rows by 4 rows
Tips
Press the dough firmly and evenly in the pan to prevent uneven baking and ensure clean cuts
Make sure bars are completely cool before glazing or the glaze will melt and run off
Cut with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for the neatest squares
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for longer storage
Can be made 2-3 days ahead; add glaze day of serving for best appearance
Cut into squares and serve at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't glaze warm bars or the glaze will melt and slide off
Press dough evenly to avoid thick and thin spots that bake unevenly
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without the eggnog glaze?
Yes, they're delicious plain or you can dust with powdered sugar instead of glazing.
How long will these bars keep?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze unglazed bars for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.