Christmas is the most magical time of the year. It’s a season filled with twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and the irresistible smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting through the house. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all the festive fun of Christmas cookies with half the effort? Enter Christmas Cookie Bars—soft, chewy, and packed with colorful M&Ms and sprinkles. They’re the ultimate holiday treat for cookie swaps, gift-giving, or wowing guests at your dessert table.
Unlike traditional drop cookies, these bars skip the rolling and portioning steps, saving you time in the kitchen. They have all the flavor and charm of individual cookies but in an easier-to-make format. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who only pulls out their mixer once a year, this recipe is perfect for you.
A Family Favorite
In our house, Christmas Cookie Bars are a must-bake holiday tradition. My kids love scattering the sprinkles and pressing the M&Ms into the dough before it goes into the oven. It’s a fun activity that doubles as bonding time and makes the holidays feel extra special. And once the bars are baked? They’re usually gone within a day because nobody can resist their soft, chewy goodness.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Bars
1. Simple Yet Festive
These bars come together with pantry staples and just a few holiday-specific mix-ins. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required!
2. Perfectly Chewy Texture
The combination of brown sugar and butter ensures every bite is soft, chewy, and bursting with rich flavor.
3. Festive and Colorful
The vibrant red and green M&Ms, along with the cheerful sprinkles, make these bars a visual delight. They’re sure to stand out at any holiday gathering.
4. Customizable for Any Occasion
Don’t limit yourself to Christmas! Swap the mix-ins for other seasonal colors, and you can make these cookie bars for Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or any celebration.
Ingredients
To make these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars, gather the following:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: Provides richness and ensures a moist texture.
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a warm, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the dough and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness for a more nuanced taste.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift, keeping the bars soft but not dense.
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving the bars their structure.
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms: Adds crunch and festive color.
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies): The best type of sprinkles to use as they don’t bleed into the dough.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with foil, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray.
2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar.
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed to cream them together until crumbly but well incorporated.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Stir in the salt and baking powder, mixing evenly into the wet ingredients.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
4: Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Using a spatula, gently fold in ¾ cup of the M&Ms and ¼ cup of the sprinkles, reserving the rest for topping.
5: Spread the Dough
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan.
- Lightly spray your hands with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, then press the dough into an even layer.
- Scatter the remaining M&Ms and sprinkles over the top, pressing them gently into the dough.
6: Bake
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
- Pro Tip: Slightly underbake the bars for a chewier texture. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
7: Cool and Slice
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Use the foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 24 equal squares.
How to Serve
These Christmas Cookie Bars are versatile and suitable for any holiday occasion:
- Cookie Platters: Arrange them alongside other festive treats like gingerbread men or sugar cookies for a beautiful display.
- Gifting: Wrap individual bars in holiday-themed cellophane bags or tins for thoughtful, homemade gifts.
- Party Snacks: Serve them at a Christmas party as a grab-and-go dessert option.
- Dessert Centerpiece: Stack them on a cake stand to showcase their colorful, festive charm.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars
- Use Jimmies Sprinkles: Avoid nonpareils, as they can bleed into the batter and discolor it.
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Try swapping M&Ms for Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, or even chopped peppermint bark.
- Chill the Dough if Sticky: If the dough is too sticky to press into the pan, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Cut Clean Slices: For neat edges, let the bars cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container to preserve their soft, chewy texture.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Different Holidays: Customize the colors of the M&Ms and sprinkles to suit other occasions like Valentine’s Day, Easter, or Halloween.
- Extra Chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Flavor: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
Storage and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate for a firmer texture; bars will last up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
A: Brown sugar is essential for the chewy texture and rich flavor, but you can use white sugar in a pinch—it will alter the flavor slightly.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars store well and can be baked a day or two ahead of your event.
Q: What can I use instead of M&Ms?
A: Try chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or dried fruit for a unique twist.
Q: Do I have to use sprinkles?
A: Sprinkles are optional, but they add a fun, festive flair to the bars.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday baking hack. They’re festive, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re whipping them up for a party, creating a stunning dessert platter, or gifting them to loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to bring joy. So, grab your apron and get baking—you’re going to love every chewy, colorful bite of these Christmas treats.
Happy holidays and happy baking! 🎄
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Christmas Cookie Bars: The Perfect Festive Treat for the Holidays
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy cookie bars loaded with M&Ms and sprinkles, perfect for holiday parties and gifting.
Ingredients
– ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
– 2 cups (400g) brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
– ½ cup Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Add salt, baking powder, and flour. Fold in M&Ms and sprinkles.
4. Spread dough in the pan and bake for 22–25 minutes.
5. Cool, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use jimmies to prevent color bleeding.
– Slightly underbake for chewy bars.
– Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American