The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

I recently tried these Christmas Cookie Bars and was totally impressed by their festive charm. The buttery base mixed with holiday M&M’s and Christmas sprinkles gives it an irresistible, playful twist. I’m all about treats that bring cozy vibes and a burst of color to the season, making every bite a cheerful celebration.

I love whipping up these Christmas Cookie Bars that are a perfect treat for any holiday gathering. They are family favorites because they combine simplicity with a rich burst of flavors.

I start with 1 cup unsalted butter (melted) and 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar mixed with 1/2 cup granulated sugar. This gives the bars a sweet, soft blondie base that also fills you with energy.

I then add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that extra depth and richness, before folding in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. The mix comes alive when I mix in 1 cup holiday M&M’s and 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles.

Its balanced nutritional value between fats, sugars and proteins makes it an ideal choice for Christmas cookie baking and easy Xmas bakes. I think its a must-try dessert idea for any holiday party.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a few reasons. First, the mix of sweet melted butter and sugars with holiday M&M’s and Christmas sprinkles really gets me in the festive mood. It’s like every bite reminds me of Christmas time. Second, I really appreciate how easy it is to make. Even if I mess up a bit in the kitchen, it’s a straightforward recipe that still turns out delicious. Third, I enjoy the soft, almost chewy texture of the bars. They remind me of my childhood treats and are perfect for sharing with my family and friends during the holidays.

Ingredients

• Melted unsalted butter brings a rich, smooth texture that helps marry all flavors.
• This light brown sugar not only sweetens but also provides moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Granulated sugar gives extra sweetness and balances the richer notes from butter and eggs.
• Eggs act as a binder making sure all ingredients come together for a solid structure.
• All-purpose flour offers the backbone providing carbohydrates and giving the bars a tender bite.
• Holiday M&M’s add a burst of chocolate flavor and cheerful color to each bite.
• Christmas sprinkles top it off with extra crunch and a playful, sweet decoration for holidays.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup holiday M&M's
• 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or line with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it looks smooth.

3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until they are well incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!

6. Fold in the holiday M&M’s and Christmas sprinkles evenly throughout the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

8. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

9. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

10. Once cooled, cut into bars and enjoy these soft, festive treats with your family and friends!

Equipment Needed

1. 9×13 inch baking pan (greased with butter or lined with parchment paper)
2. Oven
3. Two mixing bowls (one for wet ingredients and another for dry ingredients)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Whisk
6. Spatula
7. Toothpick
8. Knife

FAQ

• Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
  
  A: Yeah, you can use salted butter, but you might wanna cut down on the extra salt in the recipe.
• Q: Why do we have to use melted butter?
  
  A: Melted butter really helps blend the sugars and makes the cookie bars soft and cakey.
• Q: When should I add the holiday M&M’s and Christmas sprinkles?
  
  A: Just fold ’em in at the end after everything else is mixed so they stay intact.
• Q: How do I know when the bars are done?
  
  A: Look for a light golden top and firm edges, typically about 20-25 minutes in the oven.
• Q: Can I store these cookie bars for later?
  
  A: Sure thing, just keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week.

The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter instead. Just reduce the added salt by a pinch to keep the flavor balanced.
• You can replace light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a bit richer taste, or mix regular granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses per cup of sugar.
• If you’re out of eggs, try using 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg, which works fine as a substitute in these bars.
• You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten free blend or even whole wheat flour (though it might make the cookie bars a bit denser), so adjust the amounts if needed.
• If you dont have holiday M&M’s, you can mix in some chocolate chips with a handful of red or green candy pieces for that festive touch.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the melted butter is cooled off a bit before you add the eggs so you dont end up cooking them by accident
2. Do not overmix the batter when you add your dry ingredients because too much mixing can make the bars tough and not as soft and chewy as you want
3. Gently fold in the holiday M&M’s and sprinkles so they keep their color and don’t bleed into the dough
4. For an easier cleanup and more even baking, using parchment paper instead of greasing the pan can be a real game changer