Nothing brings the joy of the holiday season like the smell of freshly baked goodies filling your kitchen. Christmas cookie bars are a perfect mix of tradition, convenience, and festive cheer. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or whipping up treats for a cozy night in, these cookie bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With a rich, buttery base and bursts of red and green M&Ms, these bars are as delicious as they are eye-catching. Let’s dive into how you can make these delectable treats step by step.
Why Christmas Cookie Bars Are a Must-Bake This Season
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, Christmas cookie bars check all the boxes. They’re quicker to make than individual cookies, and their soft, chewy texture appeals to kids and adults alike. The festive colors of the M&Ms make them a standout on any dessert table, and their buttery, sweet flavor is the ultimate holiday comfort food.
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
Before you get started, ensure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s a simple table to keep things organized:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup, melted | Creates a rich, buttery base |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup, packed | Adds moisture and chewiness |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Balances sweetness |
| Large eggs | 2 | Binds the ingredients together |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | Provides structure |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | Helps the bars rise slightly |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances the overall flavor |
| Red and green M&Ms | 1 cup | Adds festive color and crunch |
| White chocolate chips | ½ cup | Adds creamy sweetness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and clean-up after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra hint of holiday warmth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to maintain the bars’ soft texture.
Step 4: Fold in the Festive Add-Ins
Gently fold in ¾ cup of M&Ms and white chocolate chips. This ensures that every bite is packed with festive flavor. Save some M&Ms for the topping.
Step 5: Spread and Top the Dough
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms over the top and press them lightly into the surface. This creates a picture-perfect, colorful finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles. For cleaner edges, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Serving and Storing Christmas Cookie Bars
- Serving Tips: Serve your cookie bars as-is, or warm them slightly and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars in a single layer and thaw when needed.
Why Unsalted Butter is Key
You might wonder why unsalted butter is specified in this recipe. It allows you to control the salt content precisely, ensuring the flavor remains perfectly balanced. Using salted butter could make the bars too salty, overpowering their sweet and festive taste.
Add a Personal Touch
For extra holiday flair, sprinkle festive-colored sprinkles or edible glitter over the top before baking. You can also experiment with different add-ins, such as chopped nuts or dried cranberries, for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Bar) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion size.
Conclusion
Baking Christmas cookie bars is more than just making a dessert—it’s about creating memories and spreading joy during the holiday season. With their festive appearance and irresistible taste, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. So grab your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to share the magic of these delightful treats.
Ready to bake your best batch yet? Get creative, and let the holiday spirit shine through your delicious Christmas cookie bars!
PrintHow to Make the Best Christmas Cookie Bars at Home
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bars
Description
These Christmas cookie bars are the ultimate holiday treat! Packed with festive red and green M&Ms, creamy white chocolate chips, and a chewy, buttery base, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or gifting during the season of giving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms (divided)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in ¾ cup of M&Ms and the white chocolate chips, reserving the remaining M&Ms for topping.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms over the top and press them lightly into the surface.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Sprinkle additional festive toppings, like crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles, for extra holiday cheer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
