As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the holiday season beckons us into the kitchen with comforting scents and cheerful flavors. One bite of these festive Christmas Cookie Bars transports me straight to a warm, cozy gathering filled with laughter and joy. The delightful combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and a rainbow of holiday M&Ms creates a treat that not only excites the palate but also adds a splash of color to your dessert table.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a frantic late-night baking session, trying to whip up something special for my family’s holiday cookie swap. With just 15 minutes of prep and one pan, these bars are not only simple to make but also perfect for sharing, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just satisfy a sweet tooth, these Christmas Cookie Bars deliver joy in every slice. So, let’s dive into the magic of holiday baking that will fill your home with warmth and sweetness this season!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Cookie Bars
- These Christmas Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal clean-up with only one pan.
- The flavor is out of this world, combining the richness of melted butter with the sweetness of brown sugar and a delightful mix of holiday M&Ms that will make your taste buds dance.
- Their versatility means they can be customized with your favorite add-ins or enjoyed as they are, making them perfect for every gathering.
- Plus, the vibrant colors and festive sprinkles make these bars a visual showstopper that will impress your guests and brighten your dessert table.
Christmas Cookie Bars Ingredients
For the Base
- Unsalted butter – use melted for a rich flavor that adds moistness.
- Brown sugar – this adds a deeper caramel flavor; light or dark works well!
- Granulated sugar – balances the sweetness and helps achieve a lovely texture.
- Large eggs – essential for binding the ingredients together; room temperature is best.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor profile; use pure for the best taste.
For the Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – forms the base; measuring correctly ensures the right texture.
- Baking soda – provides the necessary lift for perfect chewy bars.
- Salt – a pinch helps enhance all the other flavors in your Christmas Cookie Bars.
For the Mix-ins
- Holiday M&Ms – adds festive color and a delightful crunch; use as many as you like!
- Chocolate chips – semi-sweet chips are perfect for that extra chocolatey goodness.
- Festive sprinkles – sprinkle on top for a cheerful touch that makes these bars extra special!
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal and clean-up after baking, which we all love!
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Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until well combined and creamy. This mixture is the flavorful foundation for your delicious bars!
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Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, and mix until smooth. The eggs will help bind everything together, creating a luscious batter filled with warm flavors.
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Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want our bars to be chewy and soft with a perfect texture.
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Fold in the holiday M&Ms, chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles with a gentle hand. This colorful mix not only brings joy to your bars but also adds delightful bursts of flavor in every bite!
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Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure it’s uniform. Bake for 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!
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Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars. This step is crucial—allowing them to cool helps achieve that perfect structure for easy serving.
Optional: Sprinkle a few extra festive sprinkles on top before serving for an extra cheerful touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Cookie Bars Variations
Customize your Christmas Cookie Bars to make them uniquely yours with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of love!
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Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor that perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of the bars.
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Coconut Flakes: Incorporate ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flair that brings a chewy texture to each delightful bite.
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Dried Fruits: Toss in ½ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a tangy burst that complements the sweetness and enhances the festive vibe.
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Spiced Delights: Mix in 1 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor that evokes cozy holiday memories and spices up every slice.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over the baked bars for a luscious topping that adds a rich, buttery sweetness, making them even more indulgent.
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Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to bring a more intense chocolate flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the M&Ms.
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Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water to create a delightful vegan version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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Peppermint Crunch: Crush peppermint candies and sprinkle on top before baking to infuse your bars with a refreshing minty flavor perfect for the holidays.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own superstar Christmas Cookie Bars!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cookie Bars
Room Temperature: Keep your Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay deliciously soft and chewy.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where they can last up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze your bars for up to 3 months! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for a quick treat.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that melty chocolate experience and fills your kitchen with a familiar, cozy aroma.
What to Serve with Christmas Cookie Bars?
These cheerful treats are perfect for creating a delightful holiday spread that will bring everyone together.
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Hot Cocoa: A steaming mug of rich hot cocoa provides the perfect warm contrast to the sweet, chewy bars. The creamy texture complements the chocolate, creating a cozy experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a delightful chill and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars. The rich creaminess mixes wonderfully with the chocolatey flavors.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a bright and refreshing contrast. The natural sweetness of fruits like berries and citrus cuts through the richness of the bars, adding a burst of freshness.
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Peppermint Bark: This festive treat echoes the holiday spirit and adds a satisfying crunch. The cool mint flavor harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate in your cookie bars.
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Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink elevates the holiday feel around the table. Its rich flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the cookie bars, making for a classic combo.
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Nutty Toffee Cookies: Offering a bit of crunch, these cookies help contrast the softness of your Christmas Cookie Bars while providing an additional layer of indulgence.
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Milk: A tall glass of cold milk is a timeless classic that never fails. It washes down the sweetness, making each bite even more enjoyable, especially for kids!
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee brings a cozy vibe to your dessert experience, pairing nicely with the rich flavors of the cookie bars. The slight bitterness balances the sweetness beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients together and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to take it a step further, you can bake them up to 3 days ahead; just ensure they’re completely cooled and stored in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture. When you’re ready to impress your family or guests, simply slice the chilled bars and serve them, and they’ll be just as festive and delicious as if they were made fresh that day!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Christmas Cookie Bars, ensure your butter is perfectly melted but not hot to prevent cooking the eggs when mixed.
- A common mistake is overmixing after adding the flour, which can lead to tough bars, so mix until just combined for that soft, chewy texture.
- Use a parchment-lined baking dish for easy removal and clean-up, and make sure to spread the dough evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake for the full 25 minutes, but keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the Christmas Cookie Bars?
You should use unsalted butter that is melted. This helps create a rich flavor and adds moistness to your bars. I always recommend sticking with unsalted to better control the overall saltiness of the recipe!
How do I store Christmas Cookie Bars?
For best results, store your Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This ensures they remain soft and chewy. If you’d like to keep them for a bit longer, place them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Simply let them come to room temperature before enjoying them.
Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Christmas Cookie Bars for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight for a sweet, convenient treat!
What should I do if my bars turn out too dry?
If your Christmas Cookie Bars become too dry, it may be due to overbaking or excess flour. Always check them a couple of minutes before the 25-minute mark. If you find they are too crumbly, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side for added moisture!
Are there any dietary considerations for the Christmas Cookie Bars?
Yes, if you’re cooking for family or friends with dietary restrictions, you can modify this recipe! To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based butter substitute. Always verify that your mix-ins, such as M&Ms and chocolate chips, are free of allergens if needed.
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until well combined and creamy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the holiday M&Ms, chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles with a gentle hand.
- Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.
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