Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite, these Christmas Cookie Bars are pure magic. With a buttery cookie base that’s packed with festive red and green M&M’s, creamy white chocolate chips, and a generous shower of holiday sprinkles, each bar is a celebration of joy and color. Simple to make and impossible to resist, this recipe is the answer to all your holiday baking dreams, delivering a cheerful and shareable treat that’s guaranteed to earn a top spot on Santa’s wish list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role—there’s nothing complicated here, but together these pantry staples and festive add-ins transform into a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Each component brings its own flavor, texture, or burst of color to your Christmas Cookie Bars, so let’s give them a moment in the spotlight:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates the rich, tender base and adds that classic homemade cookie flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds that essential sweetness and helps with the perfect chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Lends a subtle caramel note and extra moisture for soft, gooey bars.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together, making the bars tender without being crumbly.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives warmth and depth—don’t skip this for truly aromatic cookie bars.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for thick, bakery-style bars.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the bars rise just the right amount and have a soft bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors shine.
- 1 cup red and green holiday M&M’s: Brings a festive pop of color and chocolate crunch to every slice.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness that melts into every bite.
- 1/2 cup sprinkles (holiday-themed): The secret for that splash of holiday magic—use your favorite shapes and colors.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. This step not only makes for hassle-free slicing but also ensures your Christmas Cookie Bars come out picture-perfect every single time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy texture—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming helps aerate the dough so the bars bake up soft and thick.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing fully between additions. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic holiday cookie aroma. The eggs keep everything moist and chewy, while the vanilla brings it all together with irresistible warmth.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This guarantees even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, helping your Christmas Cookie Bars bake uniformly and taste perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix! A little bit of flour streak here and there is OK—this ensures your bars bake up tender and not tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Festive Goodies
Using a spatula, gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. This is where the magic happens—every scoop brings holiday color, creamy sweetness, and that unmistakable Christmas cheer.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top so the bars bake uniformly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25–28 minutes until the edges are golden and the center looks set. Try not to overbake—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This takes patience but it’s worth it—cooling ensures clean slices with every cut. Lift from the pan using the parchment handles, then slice into squares or rectangles. Now you’re ready to dazzle guests or sneak a treat with your holiday cocoa!
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars
Garnishes
For an extra-special presentation, scatter more holiday sprinkles over the top just as the bars come out of the oven so they stick beautifully. A drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar transforms the bars into an eye-catching holiday dessert centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Cookie Bars with mugs of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a glass of cold milk for a classic combo. If you’re building a dessert buffet, these bars are perfect alongside peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or fresh fruit for a spread that’ll have everyone smiling.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gifting, wrap individual bars in cellophane with red and green ribbon, or arrange them in a decorative tin. Stack them in a pyramid on a cake stand, or arrange in a wreath shape on a platter for a show-stopping holiday display. Your Christmas Cookie Bars will stand out as the merriest treat on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Christmas Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Stacked with parchment between layers, they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, making them ideal for getting ahead during the busy holiday season. Simply wrap cooled, cut bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you like your Christmas Cookie Bars warm and gooey, pop a bar in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds. The chocolate chips will get melty and the whole kitchen will smell like a bakery again—pure comfort in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips or candies?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips, or even caramel bits for a unique twist. You can also use your favorite festive candies for endless variety.
How do I prevent my bars from getting too dry or overbaked?
Start checking your bars a couple of minutes before the minimum bake time and remove them when the edges are golden and the center is just set. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool, so a little softness in the middle means extra chewy goodness.
Can I make these Christmas Cookie Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. Keep an eye on the bake time, as gluten-free bars may set a little faster. Always check that your baking soda and candies are gluten-free as well.
How long ahead can I make these bars for a party?
You can make Christmas Cookie Bars up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container. For the freshest results, decorate with extra sprinkles or drizzle chocolate just before serving to keep them looking vibrant and festive.
My bars are super soft even after cooling. What should I do?
If your bars are a touch too soft, try refrigerating them for about 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes for neat slicing, especially if your kitchen is warm or humid.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to spread some holiday happiness, these Christmas Cookie Bars are pure crowd-pleasers that combine festive looks with unbeatable flavor. Give them a try and watch them disappear at any gathering—or just sneak a few for yourself with a cup of cocoa. Happy baking, and may your holidays be as bright as these irresistible bars!
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars. Packed with colorful M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles, these bars are a perfect treat for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup red and green holiday M&M’s
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup holiday-themed sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
- Bake: Spread the dough in the pan and bake for 25–28 minutes until golden. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Customize with your preferred holiday candies or use semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for extended storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
