If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that perfectly balances chewy, sweet, and colorful, this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new holiday favorite. These bars combine the classic comfort of buttery cookie dough with vibrant red and green M&Ms and luscious white chocolate chips, creating a bite that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or craving a seasonal snack, this recipe delivers that warm, homemade feeling with every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but come together to create an irresistible texture and festive flair. Each component plays a special role: from the richness of melted butter to the crunch of M&Ms and the subtle sweetness of white chocolate chips.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, buttery base essential for soft, chewy bars.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Deepens the sweetness and keeps the bars moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavor with a touch of crispness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to that perfect cookie texture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives these bars their structure.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft, tender crumb.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms: Inject festive color plus delightful crunch in every bite.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Bring creamy pockets of sweetness that melt beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal baking environment. Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later—this small step ensures your bars come out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until you have a smooth, glossy mixture that smells heavenly. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, blending everything thoroughly to create a luscious, aromatic base for your cookie bars.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This combination is what gives your bars structure without weighing them down. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Fold in M&Ms and White Chocolate Chips
Now for the festive fun! Gently fold 3/4 cup of the red and green M&Ms and all the white chocolate chips into the dough. Save the remaining M&Ms for topping—this way, they’ll stay bright and eye-catching after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread your cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms over the top and press them lightly into the dough so they become part of the surface. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell like pure holiday magic!
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Patience is key here. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step lets them set perfectly, so when you slice them into 24 squares, each piece holds together beautifully and reveals those vibrant candy-studded layers.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, dust your bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top. Adding a few fresh cranberries on the side can also complement the colors and add a hint of tartness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serving these Christmas cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of warm eggnog makes for an unforgettable holiday treat. They also pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or a spiced chai latte for cozy gatherings by the fire.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe into a showstopper by arranging squares on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or edible gold stars. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane and tying them with ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Christmas cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday gatherings or keeping as an everyday treat.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch well in advance, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen, they can last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen or refrigerated bars fresh, simply remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This helps revive that soft, melty goodness we all love.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate chips work wonderfully and will give a richer chocolate flavor, though they’ll change the look and taste slightly from the traditional white chocolate option.
What can I substitute for M&Ms?
If you’d like, you can swap M&Ms for festive sprinkles, chopped candy canes, or even dried cranberries to mix up the texture and flavor while keeping that holiday vibe alive.
How thick should the bars be before baking?
Spread the dough evenly to about one inch thick in the pan. This thickness ensures the bars bake through without drying out and stay soft and chewy.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the right texture.
Are these bars suitable for freezing after baking?
Definitely. Once fully cooled, freeze the baked bars wrapped well, and they’ll be easy to thaw and enjoy anytime you want a festive treat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cheerful, delicious way to celebrate the season, this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make, full of festive flavors, and perfect for sharing with everyone you love. Grab your ingredients, embrace the cozy vibes of holiday baking, and watch as these colorful bars bring joy to any gathering or quiet night in. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Cookie Bars, a perfect holiday treat bursting with colorful red and green M&Ms and creamy white chocolate chips. Soft, chewy, and easy to make, these bars combine buttery sweetness with a festive crunch, making them a crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.
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
Add-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.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in M&Ms and Chips: Gently fold in three-quarters of the red and green M&Ms along with the white chocolate chips, reserving the remaining M&Ms to decorate the top of the bars.
- Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top and press them lightly into the dough for a decorative finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan, ensuring they set properly. Once cooled, slice into 24 squares and serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft and chewy texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive twist, switch white chocolate chips to butterscotch or peanut butter chips.
- Ensure melted butter is cooled slightly so eggs do not cook upon mixing.
