Christmas Cookie Bars – A Festive Holiday Treat
Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert – soft, chewy, and loaded with festive flavors in every bite. Instead of baking individual cookies, this recipe makes it easy to prepare one big batch and slice into bars. Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just enjoying at home with a warm cup of cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – no scooping individual cookies.
- Festive & Colorful – holiday sprinkles and chocolate chips bring Christmas cheer.
- Perfect for Sharing – slice into squares for parties or gifting.
- Versatile – add your favorite mix-ins like M&Ms, nuts, or white chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
Time Taken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
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
Grocery List
✔ Butter
✔ Brown sugar
✔ Granulated sugar
✔ Eggs
✔ Vanilla extract
✔ All-purpose flour
✔ Baking soda
✔ Salt
✔ M&Ms (holiday colors)
✔ Chocolate chips
✔ Sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
- 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.
Tips for the Best Cookie Bars
- Don’t overbake – they’ll continue to set while cooling.
- Press extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top before baking for a festive look.
- For thicker bars, use an 8×8-inch pan and bake longer.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Slice into small squares for holiday dessert platters.
- Package in treat bags or tins as edible Christmas gifts.
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months – thaw before serving.
Chef’s Special Tip
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the bars as soon as they come out of the oven, or drizzle them with melted white chocolate once cooled. This not only adds holiday flair but also enhances the flavor, making your Christmas Cookie Bars even more irresistible.
Conclusion
Christmas Cookie Bars are a must-have holiday dessert; simple, sweet, and perfect for spreading Christmas cheer. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday party, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try them this Christmas and make your dessert table extra merry!