If you’re searching for a joyful treat that blends festive colors and classic cookie flavors, this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is your new go-to holiday delight. Picture buttery, chewy bars packed with red and green Christmas M&M’s, festive sprinkles, and melty chocolate chips, all baked into one irresistible pan of holiday happiness. Whether you’re bringing cheer to a cookie exchange or craving a sweet snack to sip hot cocoa alongside, these bars deliver comfort, sweetness, and that unmistakable holiday spirit in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create its signature texture and flavor. Each component plays an important role—from the creamy butter that brings melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to the festive candies that brighten the bars both visually and in taste.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich moisture and a tender crumb that keeps these bars soft.
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Infuses a hint of caramel flavor and chewiness.
- ¼ cup sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, bringing all ingredients together perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with warm, sweet notes.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the bars rise nicely without becoming cakey.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for the perfect texture.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances richness.
- 1 ½ cups flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure.
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s (red and green): Bring bright pops of color and candy sweetness throughout.
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (red, green and white): Add festive charm and a delightful crunch.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into luscious pockets of chocolatey goodness.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step ensures your Christmas Cookie Bars don’t stick, making cleanup easy and helping maintain their perfect shape.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until everything’s smooth and creamy. This creaming process is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mixing these evenly ensures your bars bake consistently throughout without any unpleasant clumps.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Smoothly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Over-mixing can toughen the bars, so it’s best to stop once the dough looks uniform.
Step 5: Fold in Your Festive Mix-Ins
Gently fold in three-fourths of your Christmas M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. They add bursts of sweetness and vibrant holiday colors right inside your bars—these will bake into gooey pockets of joy.
Step 6: Press Dough and Add Toppings
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the reserved M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles on top. This last touch creates a visually stunning and festive finish that’s impossible to resist.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your Christmas Cookie Bars for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden brown but the center is still soft. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to keep them from crumbling and to enjoy their perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten up your presentation and add a pleasant aroma that complements the festive flavors.
Side Dishes
These bars pair incredibly well with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a warm mug of spiced tea. For brunch or a holiday party, serve alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to take indulgence up a notch.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a holiday-themed platter for a charming party snack. For gifting, wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with red and green ribbons. These treats also make delightful stocking stuffers or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When kept frozen, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring your bars back to that freshly-baked warmth, simply microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This quick reheat will restore the gooey chocolate and soften the bars just right.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Christmas M&M’s with other candies?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the Christmas M&M’s for any colored chocolate candies or even chopped candy canes for a minty twist. Just keep the quantity the same for best results.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No worries! Use a sturdy mixing bowl and a hand mixer or even a wooden spoon to cream the butter and sugars together, just make sure everything is well combined for proper texture.
How do I make the bars less sweet?
To balance the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly or add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add a savory crunch and contrast.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture, and your bars will stay just as delicious.
Why should I let the bars cool completely before cutting?
Cooling completely allows the bars to set up properly, which helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling when you slice into them.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the season, combining approachable ingredients with vibrant festive flavors that everyone will adore. I can’t recommend it enough for cozy gatherings, last-minute gifts, or simply a sweet moment of holiday joy at home. Give it a try and watch how quickly these bars become a cherished tradition on your holiday dessert table!
