If you are craving a festive treat that combines the joy of traditional Christmas colors with the indulgence of a chewy cookie, then this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is just what you need. Imagine a soft, buttery base loaded with vibrant red and green M&Ms and sweet white chocolate chips, all baked to golden perfection and sliced into easy-to-share bars. These bars bring all the holiday cheer in every bite, making them perfect for family gatherings, office parties, or simply a heartwarming snack by the fireplace.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward holiday bliss. Each one plays a crucial role: the butter creates a tender crumb, brown and granulated sugars bring rich sweetness and slight caramel notes, the eggs bind everything together, while the flour forms the sturdy yet soft base. M&Ms and white chocolate chips add bursts of colorful fun and creamy sweetness that make these bars shine.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich, moist texture and buttery flavor that’s the foundation of the bars.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and a little chewiness through its molasses content.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps achieve the perfect crust.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients while contributing to the fluffy, tender consistency.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds all the deliciousness together.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a delicate crumb.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Intensifies the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms: Adds festive color and crunchy pops of sweetness throughout.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Provides creamy, sweet pockets that melt delightfully during baking.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your pan in advance is key for easy cleanup—grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your cookie bars come out with perfect edges and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter with both sugars until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is your flavor base where sweetness and richness begin to meld. Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and slightly fluffy, setting the stage for a tender final texture.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients ensure your bars are perfectly balanced—fluffy but firm, with just the right amount of rise. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bars.
Step 4: Fold in the Festive Add-Ins
Now comes the fun part. Fold in about three-quarters of the red and green M&Ms along with the white chocolate chips. These add texture, bursts of sweetness, and holiday charm throughout each bar. Keep some M&Ms aside to sprinkle on top for that picture-perfect finish.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the dough evenly in your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Scatter the reserved M&Ms on top and gently press them into the dough—this step gives your bars that inviting, colorful look. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time ensures a chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, allow the cookie bars to cool fully in the pan. This cooling period lets the bars set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares that hold their shape but stay soft and irresistible.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While the bars are festive on their own, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling melted white or dark chocolate across the top for added flair and sweetness. Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist that brightens the flavor and appearance.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bars with warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced chai latte, or freshly brewed coffee to balance their sweetness. For extra indulgence, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, turning your cookie bars into a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
These bars make gorgeous gifts or party treats when arranged on a festive platter or stacked inside decorative tins tied with seasonal ribbons. For a holiday dessert buffet, serve them on a tiered cake stand alongside other festive sweets for a colorful, crowd-pleasing display that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookie bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for enjoying a little slice of holiday joy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these festive bars well beyond the holiday season, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to three months without losing any of their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen or stored bars warm, simply reheat them in a microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 8 minutes. The gentle warmth brings back that freshly baked softness and melts the white chocolate chips to gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I substitute the M&Ms with another type of candy?
Absolutely! You can swap M&Ms for other colorful candies, chocolate chips, or even nuts for added texture. Just keep the quantity similar to maintain the right balance in the bars.
What pan size should I use for this recipe?
A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal for these cookie bars. Using a smaller pan may make them thicker and require longer baking, while a larger pan will yield thinner bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be swapped cup for cup. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some yourself to maintain the right texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for edges that are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures a chewy but fully baked bar.
Can I double this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two pans or one larger pan, if you have it, adjusting the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on the bars so they don’t overbake.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is truly one of those holiday treats that brings warmth and joy with every bite. It’s wonderfully simple to make, yet packed with festive colors and flavors that everyone will love. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, get baking, and share these sweet bars with your loved ones—it’s a delicious way to spread the holiday spirit with ease and love.
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful Christmas Cookie Bars bursting with festive red and green M&Ms and rich white chocolate chips, baked to golden perfection. These cheerful bars combine a buttery, chewy base with colorful candy toppings, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Fold in M&Ms and Chips: Incorporate 3/4 cup of the red and green M&Ms along with the white chocolate chips into the batter by folding gently to evenly distribute the festive mix-ins.
- Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of M&Ms on top, gently pressing them into the dough to help them adhere as they bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking pan. Once cooled, slice them into approximately 24 squares and serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy; edges should be golden but center moist.
- Use high-quality M&Ms and white chocolate chips for the best flavor and appearance.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- For a fun variation, swap the white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips.
