Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. These bars are loaded with colorful red and green M&Ms, creamy white chocolate chips, and a buttery base. They’re simple to make and can be baked in one pan, making them an easy dessert to share with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving something sweet, these Christmas Cookie Bars are sure to bring joy to any celebration!
Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday dessert, featuring a buttery, chewy base loaded with red and green M&Ms and creamy white chocolate chips. These festive bars are quick and easy to make, making them an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with family and friends. The colorful M&Ms add a festive touch, while the white chocolate chips bring a creamy sweetness that’s hard to resist.
INGREDIENTS
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, melted, for a rich, buttery base
- Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed, for a chewy texture
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup, for sweetness
- Large eggs: 2, to bind the ingredients
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp, for flavor
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups, for structure
- Baking soda: 1 tsp, for leavening
- Salt: ½ tsp, to enhance flavors
- Red and green M&Ms: 1 cup, for a festive touch
- White chocolate chips: ½ cup, for a creamy sweetness
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 4:
- Fold in ¾ cup of M&Ms and white chocolate chips, reserving some M&Ms for topping.
- Step 5:
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Top with the remaining M&Ms, pressing them lightly into the dough.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra holiday flair, add a sprinkle of festive colored sprinkles on top before baking.
Helpful Notes
- Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and slicing.
- Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, even slices.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Lisa suggests adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, festive flavor.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Cookie Bars
These cookie bars are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the sweet flavors of chocolate and festive M&Ms in a buttery, chewy base. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a party or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to bring a bit of holiday cheer to your dessert table.
FAQs
Can I use different types of M&Ms?
Yes, you can use any type of M&Ms for this recipe, but red and green M&Ms add a festive holiday touch.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Summary
These Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, packed with festive red and green M&Ms and white chocolate chips. With a chewy, buttery base and a colorful topping, these bars are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. They’re easy to make, taking less than 30 minutes to bake, and can be served at parties, potlucks, or as a sweet snack. Enjoy a taste of holiday joy with these delicious cookie bars!