If you’re looking to add a dazzling and delicious treat to your holiday dessert lineup, this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with festive red and green M&M’s, melty white and semi-sweet chocolate chips, and topped with cheerful holiday sprinkles, these bars are more than just a pretty face—they’re a chewy, buttery celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or just craving a sweet seasonal snack, these bars blend the timeless charm of classic cookies with the convenience of a bar that’s easy to slice and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you—each component plays a vital role in making the Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe truly shine. From the creamy butter that brings moisture and richness to the colorful M&M’s and sprinkles that make every bite festive and fun, every single ingredient matters.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creamy and rich, it’s the foundation for that tender, chewy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the structure of the bars.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture for chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, classic flavor that amplifies all the other ingredients.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bars, providing structure and balance.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- 1 cup red and green holiday M&M’s: Bursts of color and chocolate that put the festive in festive sweets.
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips: Smooth and creamy pockets of sweetness.
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds a classic chocolate contrast to balance the white chips.
- ½ cup holiday-themed sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun crunch and extra holiday cheer on every bite.
- Extra M&M’s and sprinkles for topping (optional): Because more color and texture make everything better.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your bars go in. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for an easy release, or lightly grease it if you prefer. This prep step guarantees your cookie bars come out in one colorful piece, ready to impress.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential because it incorporates air, giving the bars a tender crumb underneath all that festive goodness.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. These steps enrich the dough, ensuring it’s moist and overly delicious.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly and avoids any salty pockets in your dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your creamed mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bars tough, so take your time and stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 6: Fold in the Festive Mix-Ins
Gently fold in your red and green holiday M&M’s, white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. These colorful additions not only deliver bursts of flavor but also create a visually delightful dessert that screams holiday spirit.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If you like, add extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top to make them even more inviting. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Let the bars cool completely to set before slicing into 24 festive squares.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe pop even more, consider topping each bar with a light drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and add a delicate sweetness that’s hard to resist during holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with classic holiday beverages like hot cocoa adorned with marshmallows or a warm cup of spiced apple cider. The rich, chocolatey flavors of the bars complement the warm, comforting drinks, making every bite and sip a cozy moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the Christmas Cookie Bars on a holiday-themed platter, sprinkled with extra M&M’s and sprinkles around the edges. You can also wrap them individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon—perfect for gifting or a fancy party favor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy holiday weeks.
Freezing
If you want to save these festive treats for later, wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookie bars, simply pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave a single serving for 15 seconds. Warm bars unleash gooey chocolate heaven and feel especially cozy during chilly winter evenings.
FAQs
Can I substitute the M&M’s with other candies?
Absolutely! Peppermint chips or chopped candy canes make a delicious seasonal swap that keeps the festive vibe. Just make sure your chosen candy won’t melt too much or overpower the other flavors.
How do I know when the cookie bars are fully baked?
Look for golden brown edges and a mostly clean toothpick when inserted into the center. A few moist crumbs are okay; this helps ensure soft, chewy bars instead of dry ones.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be mindful that some blends may alter the texture slightly, so consider adding a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already have it.
Are these bars suitable for freezing after baking?
Definitely! Freezing baked and cooled bars is a great way to extend their shelf life. Wrap them well to prevent freezer burn and thaw before enjoying.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
For sure! Just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or use two pans. Keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly with the depth of your dough.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe—it combines the joy of the holidays in every chewy, colorful bite. Whether you’re new to holiday baking or a seasoned pro looking for a crowd-pleaser, these bars bring simplicity, festivity, and deliciousness all in one. I can’t wait for you to try them and make your season even sweeter!
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive and easy-to-make holiday treat featuring a buttery cookie base loaded with red and green M&M’s, white and semi-sweet chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving, they combine classic flavors with cheerful decorations that make every bite celebratory.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup red and green holiday M&M’s
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup sprinkles (holiday-themed)
- Optional: extra M&M’s and sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the red and green M&M’s, white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Spread Dough in Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface. If desired, sprinkle extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top for decoration.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into 24 bars for serving.
Notes
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive twist, try swapping the chocolate chips for peppermint chips or fold in chopped candy canes to give a minty holiday flavor.
- If you want softer bars, reduce baking time slightly; for crispier edges, bake a few minutes longer.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slicing.
