There is nothing quite like the cozy joy of baking during the holidays, and this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is the perfect way to bring that festive spirit into your kitchen. Imagine soft, buttery cookie bars studded with colorful red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips melting into every bite, and sprinkled with festive holiday sprinkles for that magical crunch. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your holiday party or a sweet treat to share with family, these Christmas Cookie Bars offer the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and decorative charm that truly captures the essence of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from the rich butter that creates a tender base, to the burst of color and texture from the M&Ms and sprinkles, making these bars a festive feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy, rich foundation and keeps the bars wonderfully soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the bars a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the dough together while contributing to the light, fluffy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and gives warmth to the overall taste.
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough that creates structure and chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms: Bursts of festive, chocolatey color throughout every bite.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Sweet and creamy pockets that melt perfectly when baked.
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (plus more for topping if desired): Adds crunch and cheerful holiday vibes.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to give your cookie bars a golden, perfectly baked finish. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking—this makes clean-up easy and keeps the bars intact when you slice them.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter alongside the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it infuses air into your dough, helping your bars achieve that tender yet chewy texture we love.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. These ingredients tie the dough together and boost its flavor profile with that sweet, comforting vanilla aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, preventing clumps and guaranteeing consistent texture in every bar.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Don’t overmix—just enough to bring everything together smoothly.
Step 6: Fold in Festive Mix-Ins
Carefully fold in the red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. This step infuses your dough with bursts of color and layers of delicious flavor, turning a simple dough into a celebration in every bite.
Step 7: Press, Top, and Bake
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan for uniform thickness. Feel free to sprinkle extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top for that picture-perfect, festive appearance. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes–you want golden edges while keeping the center moist and tender. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow your cookie bars to cool completely in the pan to help them set firmly. This makes slicing into those neat, satisfying squares much easier and mess-free. Then, enjoy the fruits of your holiday baking labor!
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are festive enough on their own, but to really elevate your presentation, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled bars for a touch of elegance. A sprinkle of extra holiday sprinkles on top adds texture and vibrant holiday cheer.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a creamy eggnog latte to create the perfect cozy holiday pairing. You can also plate them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the Christmas Cookie Bars on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes adorable edible gifts. Or cut the bars into festive shapes using cookie cutters for a playful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Cookie Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them a perfect grab-and-go holiday treat.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these festive delights in advance, freezing is your friend. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked gooeyness of the white chocolate chips and the tender texture that everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I substitute the M&Ms with other candies?
Absolutely! While M&Ms add that classic festive color and crunch, you can swap them with chopped candy canes, chocolate chunks, or even festive dried fruit to suit your taste or dietary needs.
What’s the best way to prevent the bars from becoming too dry?
Make sure not to overbake the bars. Pull them out when the edges are golden, but the center still looks slightly soft. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps retain moisture.
Can these cookie bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but be sure to check your baking soda and other ingredients for gluten-free certifications to avoid any surprises.
How do I make the bars more festive for a party?
Add extra holiday sprinkles on top before baking, drizzle with colored icing after cooling, or serve them with themed decorations like edible glitter to make the bars truly party-ready.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Salted butter will add a bit more savory balance, but controlling salt levels helps keep the sweetness just right.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is truly a holiday game-changer — it’s simple, festive, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or gifting at your next holiday party, these bars deliver warmth, color, and perfect sweetness in every bite. Give it a try this season and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy because nothing says Christmas like a homemade treat baked with love.
Print
Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Christmas Cookie Bars combine a buttery, soft cookie base with colorful red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles for a perfect holiday treat. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures ideal for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles (plus more for topping if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie bars.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan. Optionally, top with extra M&Ms and sprinkles for a decorative finish.
- Bake: Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect doneness.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before slicing into 24 squares for serving.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled bars with melted white chocolate.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months, wrapped well to preserve freshness.
