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Merry

How to Make the Best Christmas Cookie Bars at Home

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.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 20 –24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Fold in ¾ cup of M&Ms and the white chocolate chips, reserving the remaining M&Ms for topping.
  5. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms over the top and press them lightly into the surface.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. 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.

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