Christmas Cookie Bars

Introduction

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further than these Christmas Cookie Bars. These sweet, chewy bars are packed with holiday spirit, thanks to the bright red and green M&M candies, white chocolate chips, and colorful holiday sprinkles. I made these for the first time during the holidays last year, and they were an instant hit with my family. Not only are they incredibly easy to make—requiring just one bowl and a handful of ingredients—but they also offer the perfect combination of sweetness and texture. The best part? They are the ideal treat for sharing with friends and family, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie exchange or dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a party or just looking to indulge in something festive, these Christmas Cookie Bars are sure to spread joy and bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 🍚
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar 🍯
• 2 large eggs 🥚🥚
• 2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 tsp baking powder 🧁
• ½ tsp baking soda 🧂
• ½ tsp salt 🧂
• 1 cup (180g) red and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms) 🍬
• ½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips 🍫
• ¼ cup (40g) holiday sprinkles 🎉

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.

Fold in Candies and Chocolate Chips:

5. Gently fold in the red and green chocolate candies, white chocolate chips, and half of the holiday sprinkles. This will ensure the candy is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Press into the Pan:

6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining holiday sprinkles on top for a festive touch.

Bake:

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with a few crumbs.

Cool and Cut:

8. Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This ensures they hold their shape and are easier to serve.

Serve:

9. Once cooled and cut, serve and enjoy these festive Christmas Cookie Bars!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 24 cookie bars
• Calories per serving: 220 kcal (approximate)
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 2g

(Note: These values are approximations and may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as a Dessert: These cookie bars are perfect for a holiday dessert table or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
• Gift Them: Package them in a festive box or jar and give them as a gift to friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
• Enjoy as a Snack: These bars also make a great snack for kids and adults alike. Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy them after a meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. This will help achieve a smooth and fluffy texture for the cookie dough.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookie bars.
3. Customize the Candies: Feel free to swap out the red and green M&Ms with other seasonal candy, like peppermint pieces or chocolate-covered pretzels, to add your personal touch.
4. Bake at the Right Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the bars to ensure even cooking and the perfect texture.
5. Let the Bars Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them to avoid them falling apart.

Recipe Variations

• Peanut Butter Version: Add ½ cup of peanut butter chips along with the white chocolate chips for a peanut butter and chocolate twist.
• Add Nuts: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, try adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough before baking.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookie bars gluten-free.
• Chocolate Fudge Version: For a more decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars once they’ve cooled, and let it harden before cutting.
• Coconut Lover’s Version: Stir in ¼ cup of sweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist on the traditional recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Hot Beverage: These cookie bars are perfect with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a festive holiday punch.
• Top with Ice Cream: Serve these cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Alongside Other Holiday Sweets: Serve them as part of a cookie platter with other festive treats like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or peppermint bark.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze these cookie bars for up to 2 months. Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
• Storage: Keep the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay soft and fresh for several days, making them a perfect treat to have on hand during the holiday season.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by ¼ teaspoon to avoid making the bars too salty.

2. Can I make these bars without M&Ms? Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use chocolate chips, holiday-themed candies, or dried fruit like cranberries for a different flavor and texture.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just bring the dough to room temperature before pressing it into the pan and baking.

4. How do I know when the cookie bars are done? The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

5. Can I make these cookie bars in a different-sized pan? If you use a different-sized pan, be sure to adjust the baking time. A larger pan will result in thinner bars that bake faster, while a smaller pan will make thicker bars that take longer to bake.

6. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar? Yes, dark brown sugar will work as a substitute and will give the cookie bars a slightly richer flavor.

7. How can I make the bars more festive? You can add more holiday sprinkles on top, drizzle them with white chocolate, or even top them with edible glitter for a special touch.

8. Can I make these cookie bars without eggs? You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs or another egg substitute, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

9. What is the best way to store the cookie bars for long-term freshness? For long-term storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container to protect them from air and moisture.

10. Can I use a different type of chocolate chip? Yes! Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or any type of chocolate chips you prefer.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer with minimal effort. They combine all the festive flavors of the season with the sweetness of chocolate and a chewy, soft cookie texture. Whether you’re baking for a party, making gifts, or just enjoying a special treat with loved ones, these cookie bars will not disappoint. Their bright, colorful appearance

makes them a fun addition to any holiday spread, and their delicious taste will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to create a batch of cookie bars that will fill your home with the scents of the season and leave everyone craving more!

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