First, let me take a moment to express my gratitude. Thank you for stopping by to check out this amazing Christmas Cookie Bars recipe! The holiday season always brings about the desire to bake something special, and I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite festive desserts with you. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking traditions too.
These Christmas Cookie Bars are pure magic—soft, gooey, and absolutely packed with melty chocolate, white chocolate chips, and colorful Christmas M&M’s. If you love cookies but want a fun twist that’s easy to make, this recipe is exactly what you need! Imagine the smell of these baking in your kitchen, filling your home with all the warmth and coziness of the holidays. Anything but boring!!
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the good stuff—what you’ll need to create these irresistible bars. The ingredient list is simple, yet the flavors and textures are anything but!
- 1 cup Butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms (divided)
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips (divided)
- 1/2 cup White Chocolate Chips
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Now, here’s the fun part—baking these ooey-gooey delights! This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for getting the kids involved too.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it generously with non-stick spray.
- Beat the butter and sugars together using a handheld or stand mixer until they’re light, fluffy, and well combined. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this into the wet mixture, but be careful not to over-mix—just stir until combined.
- Fold in half of the M&Ms and chocolate chips by hand. This keeps them from getting crushed by the mixer, ensuring those chunky bits of candy and chocolate stay intact.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Then, press the remaining M&Ms, chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips on top for that festive, colorful look.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. The edges should be set, but the center will remain slightly soft—perfect for gooey bars.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Then, serve and enjoy!
Details And Nutritional Information
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
Nutrition:
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 268 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
Helpful Tips for Perfect Bars
- Don’t overbake! These bars will continue to set as they cool, so you want to pull them out when they’re just golden brown around the edges.
- Room temperature ingredients make all the difference. Be sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Parchment paper is your best friend. It makes removing the bars from the pan and slicing them so much easier!
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is super versatile, which is one reason I love it so much! Here are a few ideas to make these bars uniquely yours:
- Switch up the candy: Instead of Christmas M&Ms, use Reese’s Pieces, sprinkles, or even chopped-up peppermint bark for a festive twist.
- Nut lovers: Add in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a little extra crunch.
- Gluten-free: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix, and you’re all set!
- Add a drizzle: Melt some extra white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for an extra decadent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Christmas Cookie Bars?
Yes! Once cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that gooey texture.
What type of M&Ms should I use?
I love using Christmas-themed M&Ms for a festive touch, but you can use regular M&Ms or any seasonal colors to match the occasion!
Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk, dark, or even peanut butter chips to give these bars a different flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container—the moisture from the bread helps prevent the bars from drying out!
More Holiday Recipes to Try
If you loved these Christmas Cookie Bars, be sure to check out some of my other holiday dessert recipes:
Happy baking, and I hope your holiday season is filled with love, laughter, and lots of delicious treats like these Christmas Cookie Bars!