Print

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

Delightfully festive Christmas Cookie Bars loaded with red and green M&M’s, chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles, baked to a golden perfection. These bars combine a soft, chewy texture with the joyful crunch of holiday candies, making them an irresistible treat for seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups flour

Add-ins

  • 1 cup Christmas M&M’s (red and green)
  • ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (red, green and white)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a standing mixer, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and sugar until smooth and combined. Add the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated to create a creamy base.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking gently until a smooth dough forms without overmixing to maintain tenderness.
  5. Fold in Most Candy: Fold into the dough ¾ cup of the Christmas M&M’s, ¾ cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and ¼ cup of the Christmas sprinkles, distributing the festive candies evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer and press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a compact layer. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of M&M’s, ¼ cup chocolate chips, and ¼ cup sprinkles on top for decorative, colorful contrast.
  7. Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to set the structure.

Notes

  • The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake by a minute or two.
  • Substitute Christmas M&M’s with any festive colored candies if preferred.
  • Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.

Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday treats, festive desserts, chocolate chip bars, M&M bars, easy holiday baking

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/christmas-cookie-bars-recipe/