Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive twist on classic cookies, packed with colorful M&Ms and sprinkles. They’re easy to make, buttery, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter treats.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
• 1/4 cup Christmas jimmies sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Fold in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles gently. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Step 5: Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set.
6. Step 6: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough.
• Swap out Christmas M&Ms for any festive chocolate candies you prefer.
• If you like a softer texture, slightly underbake the bars by a minute or two.
• Use white or brown sugar alone if you don’t have both; brown sugar adds more moisture and depth.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. To reheat, let thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the bars too salty.

Can I substitute the Christmas M&Ms with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! You can use chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or any small candy pieces. Just remember that colorful candies add to the festive look.

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

These festive Christmas Cookie Bars combine soft, buttery cookie dough with colorful Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles for a delightful holiday treat. Baked in a single pan, they offer an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups all purpose flour

Festive Mix-ins

• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
• 1/4 cup Christmas jimmies sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cookie bars.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This creates a rich base for the cookies.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well until fully combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
6. Add Festive Mix-ins: Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and jimmies sprinkles, ensuring an even spread of candy and color throughout the dough.
7. Press Dough and Bake: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center appears set.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out the bars using the parchment paper and cut into squares for serving.

Notes

• For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after cooling.
• You can substitute the Christmas M&Ms with any colorful chocolate candies of your choice.
• Be careful not to overbake to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days for freshness.

Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday cookies, festive cookie bars, Christmas M&Ms dessert, easy holiday baking