Christmas Nougat Bars 🍫🎄
Christmas nougat bars are a festive, chewy, and nutty treat popular during the holidays. They usually combine honey, sugar, nuts, and sometimes dried fruits for a sweet, crunchy, and satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, lightly toasted)
- Optional: dried fruits like cranberries or cherries
- Edible wafer paper (optional, for lining)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper or edible wafer paper.
- Lightly grease if using parchment.
- Toast Nuts (Optional but Recommended)
- Spread nuts on a tray and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Cook Honey and Sugar
- In a saucepan, heat honey and sugar over medium heat until it reaches soft-ball stage (~240°F / 115°C).
- Whip Egg Whites
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Combine
- Slowly pour hot sugar-honey mixture into the egg whites while beating continuously.
- Stir in vanilla, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Shape and Cool
- Pour mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Let cool completely (1–2 hours).
- Cut into bars or squares once firm.
Tips
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate sugar stage—it’s key for chewy nougat.
- Store in an airtight container; nougat can last 2–3 weeks.
- For a softer nougat, add a tablespoon of corn syrup or glucose syrup to the sugar-honey mixture.
✅ Variation: Dip the bars in melted chocolate for an extra festive touch.
If you want, I can also make a quick 30-minute version of Christmas nougat bars that’s softer and easier to cut for holiday gifting.
