Christmas Jewel Squares are a festive, vibrant dessert that captures the spirit of the season in every bite. These delightful squares feature a buttery shortbread base topped with a jewel-toned medley of candied fruits and nuts, all held together with a rich, slightly chewy filling. They’re not overly sweet, making them a perfect treat to share during holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. If you love desserts that are simple to make yet impressively beautiful, this recipe is for you. You can customize it with your favorite fruits and nuts, ensuring it’s just as unique as your holiday celebrations. Let’s bring some sparkle to your dessert table!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan

Parchment paper
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Whisk

Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife

Overview of Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

For the Filling:

4 large eggs

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup candied or dried fruits (such as cherries, cranberries, apricots)
¾ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until the dough is crumbly.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

2. Prepare the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and whisk until smooth.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Fold in the candied fruits and chopped nuts.

3. Assemble and Bake:

Pour the filling mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

4. Cut and Serve:

Once cooled, lift the dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper.
Slice into squares or diamond shapes with a sharp knife.

Recipe Tips

Customize the Topping: Use your favorite combination of fruits and nuts to make the recipe your own.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
Cutting Clean Slices: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat pieces.

What to Serve with This Recipe

Pair with a cup of tea, coffee, or spiced cider for a cozy treat.

These squares also make a wonderful addition to a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies and truffles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q: Can I omit the nuts?
A: Absolutely! You can leave out the nuts or replace them with seeds, like sunflower seeds, for a similar texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, Christmas Jewel Squares taste even better the next day. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Enjoy the festive colors and flavors of Christmas Jewel Squares\u2014a treat that will light up any holiday celebration!