Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert to delight your family and friends during the holiday season! These vibrant, festive bars are not just visually appealing; they are also packed with flavors and textures that everyone will love. Their buttery richness, complemented by sweet brown sugar and chewy decorations like M&Ms and sprinkles, makes them utterly irresistible. The best part? Christmas Cookie Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or a sweet gift, these delightful treats are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Besides their scrumptious taste, these bars are perfect for baking with kids. The simple ingredients and straightforward process make it a fun activity to do together, fostering holiday spirit and creating cherished memories. Plus, you can customize the colors of the M&Ms to match the theme of your celebration, making these treats versatile for any event. With just a slice away, your loved ones will be eagerly coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Bars
- Deliciously sweet and festive, perfect for the holidays.
- Easy to prepare, requiring minimal baking skills.
- Great for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers.
- Customizable with various mix-ins to suit your taste.
- Perfect for gift-giving during the festive season.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin baking your delightful Christmas Cookie Bars, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools and ingredients. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You will need a 9×13-inch metal baking pan, which you should line with aluminum foil. This will help you lift the cookies out effortlessly after baking. Make sure to spray the foil with a good amount of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Gather your mixing bowls, measuring cups, and an electric mixer—either a stand mixer or a hand mixer will work. Have a spatula and a large mixing spoon ready to incorporate the ingredients properly. For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature so that it mixes well with the brown sugar. It’s also helpful to have a small dish nearby for the baking powder and salt so you can measure them out easily.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms or your favorite color
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (use jimmies for best results)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven heats up, take your 9×13-inch metal baking pan and line it with aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides so you can lift out the cookie bars easily once they’re baked. Don’t forget to spray the foil with a good layer of cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent them from sticking!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Using your stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together these ingredients until they form a crumbly mixture. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the butter, which helps to create a light and fluffy texture in your cookie bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the two large eggs one at a time, followed by the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth and creamy batter. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together and add moisture to your cookie bars.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the salt and baking powder, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Then, add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. It’s important not to over-mix at this stage, as it could make the cookie bars tough. Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles for a festive touch!
Step 5: Spread in Prepared Pan
The mixture will be quite wet, so the best way to get it evenly distributed in the pan is by spraying your hands with cooking spray and using them to press down the dough gently. Make sure to smooth the surface evenly. For an extra splash of color, sprinkle some more M&Ms and sprinkles over the top of the dough.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Place your baking pan in the oven and bake for about 22-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as the goal is to allow them to turn a lovely golden color but not to over-bake. It’s better to err on the side of under-baked; they will continue to set as they cool down outside of the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Carefully lift the bars out using the foil overhang, then let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing them into squares. This allows for clean cuts and a nice presentation.
Variations
- Protein: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Vegetables: Incorporate fine shredded zucchini for added moisture and nutritious value, though this may change the texture slightly.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your bars a holiday-inspired flavor!
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your butter is soft at room temperature for easy mixing.
- For a more colorful look, use assorted colors of M&Ms.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze for up to a month to keep them fresh.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
- Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or festive spiced tea during the holidays.
Tips
- You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an added sweet touch.
- For a twist, try using different holiday candies like peppermint bark pieces instead of M&Ms.
- When slicing, use a sharp knife to keep your bars looking neat.
- Consider wrapping individual slices in cellophane as a fun holiday treat for gifts.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 200 per bar
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
How do I store the Christmas Cookie Bars?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure they are completely cooled before storing.
Can I use a different type of baking pan?
We recommend using a metal pan as it conducts heat better, but if using a glass dish, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since glass retains heat longer.
What if I don’t have M&Ms?
No worries! You can substitute them with chocolate chips, raisins, or any other favorite candy or nut.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and bake them just before serving. They’re even better when they have had a little time to set.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cookie Bars make the perfect festive treat that’s sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. Their delightful combination of flavors and textures, coupled with an easy preparation process, means that even the busiest of cooks can whip these up without any hassle. With their eye-catching colors and sweet taste, everyone from kids to adults will be coming back for more. We would love to hear how your Christmas Cookie Bars turned out or any fun variations you tried! Feel free to comment below, share this recipe with friends, or get creative with your favorite holiday mix-ins to truly make these bars your own.
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
Delightful festive bars that are easy to whip up and perfect for sharing during the holiday season!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms or your favorite color
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (use jimmies for best results)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven heats up, take your 9×13-inch metal baking pan and line it with aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides so you can lift out the cookie bars easily once they’re baked. Don’t forget to spray the foil with a good layer of cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent them from sticking!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Using your stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together these ingredients until they form a crumbly mixture. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the butter, which helps to create a light and fluffy texture in your cookie bars.
- Next, add the two large eggs one at a time, followed by the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth and creamy batter. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together and add moisture to your cookie bars.
- Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the salt and baking powder, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Then, add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. It’s important not to over-mix at this stage, as it could make the cookie bars tough. Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles for a festive touch!
- The mixture will be quite wet, so the best way to get it evenly distributed in the pan is by spraying your hands with cooking spray and using them to press down the dough gently. Make sure to smooth the surface evenly. For an extra splash of color, sprinkle some more M&Ms and sprinkles over the top of the dough.
- Place your baking pan in the oven and bake for about 22-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as the goal is to allow them to turn a lovely golden color but not to over-bake. It’s better to err on the side of under-baked; they will continue to set as they cool down outside of the oven.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Carefully lift the bars out using the foil overhang, then let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing them into squares. This allows for clean cuts and a nice presentation.
Notes
For the best flavor, use room temperature butter and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal per bar
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 2 g