As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen evolves into a magical place filled with warmth and cheer. The sight of vibrant red and green M&Ms brings a smile to my face, reminding me of family gatherings and festive celebrations. I recently discovered a delightful recipe for Festive Christmas Cookie Bars that not only embodies the spirit of the season but is also incredibly easy to whip up, making it the perfect treat for unexpected guests or cozy nights at home.
With a soft, chewy texture and a playful crunch from the M&Ms, these cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser that will invite everyone to the table. Nothing beats the comfort of pulling a warm batch from the oven, letting the sweet aroma fill the air as you slice them into perfect squares, ready to be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice baker tired of fast food, this recipe is a joyful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Trust me; once you make these, your kitchen will be the heart of your home this holiday season.
Why are Festive Christmas Cookie Bars a must-try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: These bars require minimal effort and basic ingredients, making them accessible for anyone, regardless of baking skills.
Bold Flavors: The combination of M&Ms and chocolate chips creates a rich, festive taste that’s hard to resist.
Chewy & Crunchy: The soft, chewy texture balanced with the crunch of M&Ms ensures a delightful bite every time.
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and watch your friends and family gather around; these cookie bars are a hit at any holiday gathering.
Quick & Easy: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these delicious treats in no time!
Get ready to sparkle in the kitchen with this festive recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Ingredients
• A delightful mix of flavors awaits!
For the Cookie Base
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened for a creamy and rich base.
- Brown sugar – ¾ cup, packed to add moisture and sweetness.
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup, enhancing the overall sweetness of the cookie bars.
- Large eggs – 2, binding the ingredients together for the perfect chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons, offering a warm, aromatic flavor.
For the Dry Mix
- All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups, the key ingredient providing structure and fluffiness.
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon, helping the bars rise and achieve that delightful texture.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon, balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavor.
For the Festive Touch
- Red and green M&Ms – 1 cup, bringing a burst of color and joy into every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – ½ cup, adding an extra layer of decadence.
- Holiday sprinkles (optional) – ¼ cup, for that extra festive sparkle on top.
Get ready to savor the flavor of these Festive Christmas Cookie Bars, bringing joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations!
How to Make Festive Christmas Cookie Bars
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly baked base for your cookie bars. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
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Cream the butter and sugars together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This simple step incorporates air, giving your bars that lovely texture we all love.
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Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until combined. The eggs will help bind everything together, creating a smooth and velvety batter.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) in a separate bowl. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookie bars soft!
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Fold in M&Ms, chocolate chips, and optional sprinkles. Gently combine until everything is evenly distributed, creating that festive touch throughout the batter.
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Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it gently to ensure an even layer. This will help your bars bake uniformly, giving you nicely cut squares later.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft but not gooey!
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Cool completely before cutting into squares or bars. This allows the bars to firm up for perfect serving sizes. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they cool!
Optional: Sprinkle extra holiday sprinkles on top for a cheerful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the holiday spirit without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just follow the recipe steps until the dough is mixed, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain quality, ensure it’s properly sealed to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply spread the dough in the pan and bake as instructed. This way, you’ll have delicious, freshly baked cookie bars with minimal effort, perfect for busy nights or unexpected guests!
Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Variations
Feel free to put your own twist on these delightful treats and make them even more special!
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Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a scrumptious vegan version. It’s still rich and satisfying!
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Minty Fresh: Mix in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract and replace M&Ms with crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing holiday twist.
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Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice kick that will fill your kitchen with cozy aromas.
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Fruit Fusion: Swap ½ cup of M&Ms with dried cranberries or cherries for a tart-sweet contrast that beautifully complements the chocolate.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these bars without worry. Who knew gluten-free could taste this good?
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Extra Chocolatey: Increase the semi-sweet chocolate chips to ¾ cup for those true chocoholics who can’t get enough decadence in their treats.
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Sprinkle Surprise: Experiment with seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar to elevate the festive presentation on these cookie bars. They’re not just tasty—they’re a visual treat!
How to Store and Freeze Festive Christmas Cookie Bars
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, keep the bars in the fridge for up to 1 week. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Freeze cookie bars in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating: To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes.
What to Serve with Festive Christmas Cookie Bars?
The aroma of freshly baked cookie bars creates a warm atmosphere, perfect for gathering around the table to share the delights of the season.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich drink pairs perfectly, balancing the sweetness of the cookie bars with its comforting warmth. The melted marshmallows on top add a delightful touch.
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Spiced Eggnog: A festive classic, its creamy texture and hints of nutmeg enhance the holiday spirit while complementing the chewiness of the cookie bars.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the warm cookie bars, creating a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing bite that cuts through the sweetness. The natural juiciness complements the chewy texture beautifully.
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Sugary Coffee: A cup of sweet coffee or latte brings a cozy start to your day, harmonizing with the chocolatey goodness of the bars.
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Warm Apple Cider: This spiced beverage fills the air with warmth and festive cheer, enhancing the holiday flavors of your cookie bars with its fruity zest.
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Holiday Baking Tray: Create a festive spread with assorted cookies and treats, inviting a variety of flavors that make the cookie bars just one of many delightful choices. Everyone will find something to enjoy!
Expert Tips for Festive Christmas Cookie Bars
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Butter Temperature: Use softened butter for the best texture. Cold or melted butter can result in uneven baking and density.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep your bars soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
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Cool Down Properly: Allow your cookie bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up, making slicing easier and cleaner.
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Uniform Size: Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure all bars bake at the same rate. This way, you’ll avoid any overcooked or undercooked pieces.
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Customize Toppings: Feel free to swap in your favorite add-ins, like nuts or dried fruit, to create your personalized version of these festive Christmas cookie bars!
Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of M&Ms should I use?
Absolutely! Using red and green M&Ms adds the perfect festive touch to your cookie bars. However, feel free to use other types if preferred; the classic milk chocolate or peanut butter M&Ms work wonderfully too.
How should I store leftover cookie bars?
Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them deliciously chewy. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week, ensuring you place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Festive Christmas Cookie Bars?
Yes! To freeze your cookie bars, cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
What do I do if my cookie bars turn out dry?
If your cookie bars turn out dry, this might be due to overbaking or using too much flour. To prevent this, always measure your flour correctly; I recommend spooning it into a measuring cup rather than scooping it directly from the bag. If you’ve accidentally overbaked, serve them warm with ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate to add moisture back in.
Are these cookie bars safe for my pets?
No, it’s best to avoid giving your pets any cookie bars that contain chocolate or M&Ms, as both can be harmful to dogs and cats. Ensure you keep these treats safely out of reach and enjoy them as a family treat instead!
Can I use gluten-free flour for these cookie bars?
Very! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for one that contains xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of traditional flour, ensuring your cookie bars remain soft and chewy while being gluten-free.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cream the butter and sugars together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until combined.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in M&Ms, chocolate chips, and optional sprinkles.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it gently.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.