Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive twist on classic cookies, packed with colorful M&Ms and sprinkles. They’re soft, buttery, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
• 1/4 cup Christmas jimmies sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla, then mix again until everything’s smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until the dough comes together — no need to overmix.
4. Step 4: Fold in the M&Ms and sprinkles, then press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set.
5. Step 5: Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment and slice into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra chewiness, replace half of the brown sugar with white sugar.
• Swap Christmas M&Ms for regular or peanut M&Ms if desired.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Use white chocolate chips instead of sprinkles for a different flavor twist.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to about 1/4 teaspoon to avoid the bars becoming too salty.

Can these cookie bars be frozen?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

Delightfully festive Christmas Cookie Bars packed with colorful M&Ms and holiday sprinkles, these soft and chewy bars are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they combine buttery sweetness with a festive crunch.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix-ins

• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
• 1/4 cup Christmas jimmies sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring a fluffy texture in the cookie bars.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
6. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and jimmies sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center appears set but still soft.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then, use the parchment paper to lift them out and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

• Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookie bars tender and chewy.
• For easy removal, make sure to line the pan with parchment paper with overhang on the sides.
• Feel free to substitute Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles with your favorite holiday candy or chocolate chips.
• Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• These bars can be frozen wrapped tightly for up to 1 month.

Keywords: Christmas cookie bars, holiday cookies, festive cookie bars, M&M cookies, easy Christmas desserts