Introduction to Christmas Cookie Bars
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself in a whirlwind of festivities, family gatherings, and, of course, baking! These Christmas Cookie Bars are my go-to treat, perfect for delighting guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With their vibrant colors and rich flavors, they bring a joyful spirit to any gathering. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling holiday chaos or a professional seeking a sweet surprise for your coworkers, this recipe offers a quick and easy solution for impressing your loved ones while filling the air with that delightful, cozy aroma of Christmas.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Bars
These Christmas Cookie Bars will quickly become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. They’re unbelievably easy to whip up, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish! Plus, the combination of holiday M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles creates a delightful taste and texture. You can customize them to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs, making them a versatile treat every busy mom would adore during the festive season.
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
Let’s gather the goodies to create these heartwarming Christmas Cookie Bars! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! It adds richness and a lovely texture. Make sure it’s melted for even mixing.
- Brown Sugar: This brings a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the festive ingredients.
- Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the bars, balancing the flavors. A classic choice for baked goods!
- Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and adding moisture. They help create a soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this heavenly liquid adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of your bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the recipe! It provides structure and a delightful chew.
- Baking Soda: This little leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, making them fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors in your treats.
- Holiday M&Ms: Add festive cheer with colorful chocolate candies that brighten up the look and taste!
- Chocolate Chips: These melty morsels lend a rich chocolatey goodness to each bite. Dark or milk, it’s your choice!
- Festive Sprinkles: Sprinkle them on top for a touch of whimsy, making your bars eye-catching and fun!
Feel free to switch things up! If you don’t have M&Ms, use your favorite candies or nuts instead. The beauty of these Christmas Cookie Bars is their adaptability. For exact quantities, scroll to the bottom of the article where you can find a handy printable version!
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Christmas Cookie Bars! Follow my simple steps, and you’ll have a tray of festive treats that everyone will adore.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
First, let’s get that oven heated up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This is crucial for easy removal later. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with sticky bars!
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You’ll want to stir until it’s all blended and smooth. The mixture should look glossy and slightly thick. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, giving your bars that cozy richness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s all smooth and creamy. This is key for adding flavor and structure, making sure your bars have that perfect chewy texture. No lumps, please!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients. Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Be careful not to overmix here. Just mix until everything is blended, which keeps those lovely cookie bars nice and fluffy. We want tender bars, not tough ones!
Step 5: Fold in Festive Add-Ins
Here’s where the fun starts! Fold in the holiday M&Ms, chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles. This colorful mix is what makes these Christmas Cookie Bars truly special. It should look like a rainbow of yumminess!
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Spread the cookie dough evenly in your prepared baking dish. This helps them bake evenly. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling like holiday magic!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Patience is key here! If you cut them too soon, they might crumble. After they’ve cooled, slice them into neat bars and indulge in the festive joy of your creation!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is completely melted for smooth mixing.
- Let the bars cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- For softer bars, slightly underbake them; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Experiment with your favorite holiday candies for unique flavors.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh!
Equipment Needed
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal; any similar-sized oven-safe dish works too.
- Parchment Paper: Essential for easy removal; aluminum foil is a decent substitute.
- Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for the batter; smaller ones help for ingredient prep.
- Whisk: Great for blending; a fork or spoon can do the trick in a pinch.
- Spatula: To spread the dough; any sturdy utensil will manage!
Variations of Christmas Cookie Bars
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe version that everyone can enjoy.
- Chewy Coconut: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that complements the holiday vibes.
- Minty Fresh: Substitute chocolate chips with mint chocolate chips for a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Fruit Fest: Add dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cookie Bars
- Pair your cookie bars with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced apple cider for a comforting treat.
- Serve them on a festive platter decorated with holly or seasonal ornaments for a cheerful presentation.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’ll delight your guests!
- Cut them into smaller squares for easy sharing during holiday parties.
FAQs about Christmas Cookie Bars
As we embrace the joy of creating these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars, I know you might have a few questions. Let’s dive into some common ones!
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake your Christmas Cookie Bars a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How do I store leftover cookie bars?
To keep your treats soft and delicious, store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to three months!
Can I use different mix-ins instead of M&Ms?
You bet! Feel free to swap M&Ms for nuts, different candies, or even coconut. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
How can I ensure my bars are perfectly chewy?
For a chewy texture, be careful not to overbake your bars. Just a few minutes in the oven can make a big difference, so keep an eye on them!
What’s the best way to cut the cookie bars?
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut your bars into squares. Warming the knife under hot water can help achieve clean cuts.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Cookie Bars
Baking these Christmas Cookie Bars is more than just a recipe; it’s about creating joyful memories with loved ones. The colorful ingredients symbolize the festive spirit, bringing a smile to everyone’s face. As you slice into these chewy, sweet treats, you’ll feel the warmth of the season wrapping around you like a favorite sweater. Perfect for sharing or indulging alone, these bars will become a cherished tradition in your home. So, gather your family, bring out the festive spirit, and let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen—because every bite is a little piece of holiday joy!
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously festive Christmas cookie bars that will delight your holiday guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup holiday M&Ms
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Spread dough evenly into the baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is fully melted for even mixing.
- Let the bars cool fully to avoid crumbling when slicing.
- Feel free to customize with other festive candies if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
