If you’re craving a festive treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, look no further than this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars are soft and chewy with a buttery sugar cookie base, generously studded with holiday red and green M&Ms, creamy white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles that bring holiday cheer in every bite. Perfect for last-minute cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy night by the fire, this one-bowl recipe skips the chilling step and delivers festive joy in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you — each component plays a vital role in building the perfect texture, sweetness, and festive vibe of these Christmas Cookie Bars. From the rich butter base to the crunchy, colorful candies, every element enhances the overall flavor and look of this cheerful treat.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds a rich, creamy foundation for a tender texture.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Provides moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness on the edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances all other ingredients.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft structure of the bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise slightly for that perfect chew.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms: Burst of color and a satisfying crunch, perfect for festive flair.
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness and pairs beautifully with the M&Ms.
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles: Colorful finishing touch that turns these bars into a party centerpiece.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your bars don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped. Having this ready ahead of time makes the next steps smoother.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the mixture, contributing to the cookie bars’ soft and tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the flavor and help bind everything together for that chewy texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, giving you a uniform texture and flavor throughout your bars.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 6: Fold in Festive Mix-ins
Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. These mix-ins bring bursts of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable holiday spirit with every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden color and the center is set but still soft. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting to keep their shape intact.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of festive color, sprinkle a few more M&Ms or sprinkles on top once the bars are cooled. You could also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cut bars to add a touch of elegance and indulgence perfect for holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
These Christmas Cookie Bars shine as a standalone treat but also make an excellent accompaniment to a warm mug of hot cocoa, spiced coffee, or even a glass of creamy eggnog. They add a sweet contrast that complements cozy winter beverages wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your bars on a festive serving platter with pine sprigs or holly leaves around the sides for a charming holiday display. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a red or green ribbon makes adorable gifts or party favors. You can also stack them in a decorative tin for transport to cookie exchanges or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for preparing ahead or enjoying throughout the holiday week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy warm and melty bars after storing or freezing, simply microwave each bar for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and lets the white chocolate chips soften delightfully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the M&Ms for other candies?
Absolutely! You can swap M&Ms for chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or other colorful candies. Just keep in mind that candies with a coating help keep the texture intact, especially in baking.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
No refrigeration is necessary as long as they are kept in a sealed container at room temperature. Refrigerating may make them a bit firmer, so only refrigerate if your kitchen is very warm.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend measured cup-for-cup. Just check that your mix-ins are gluten-free too for a safe treat.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
To make vegan Christmas Cookie Bars, replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax or chia “eggs” in place of eggs, and select vegan white chocolate chips and candies. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously festive.
How do I prevent the bars from over-baking?
Keep a close eye starting at the 22-minute mark. The bars should look set with golden edges but still soft in the center. Remember they will continue to firm up while cooling, so pulling them out just before fully firm is key.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe as much as I enjoy every bite! It’s such a cheerful, simple way to spread holiday joy with a treat that’s quick to whip up but endlessly loved. Trust me, these bars will be the star of your holiday dessert table and have everyone coming back for seconds.
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavor. Made with a buttery sugar cookie base and loaded with holiday M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, they’re the perfect quick treat for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy night in. One bowl, no chilling, and ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat 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 ensure the cookie bars don’t stick.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the base for your cookie bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bars.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles until they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Spread Dough and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the center is just set but not overbaked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 individual bars. This helps them set properly and hold their shape.
Notes
- For extra holiday flair, press a few extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top before baking.
- You can swap in milk or dark chocolate chips for the white chocolate chips if preferred.
- Use different colored candies or sprinkles to customize these bars for other holidays or celebrations.
