Name: Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup red and green M&Ms; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Crafting delightful Christmas cookie bars brings pure joy to holiday baking adventures.

Sweet aromas fill kitchen spaces with nostalgic memories.

Festive treats like these connect generations through shared culinary traditions.

Soft, buttery textures melt in your mouth, creating instant happiness.

Colorful sprinkles and rich chocolate chips make these bars irresistible.

Simple ingredients transform into magical desserts that spark celebration.

Come explore this delectable recipe and spread some delicious holiday cheer!

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap white chocolate chips with milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference. Just maintain the same quantity in the recipe.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Check for golden brown edges and a toothpick that comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The colorful M&Ms make these cookie bars fun and appealing to children. They’re sweet, festive, and easy to enjoy.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

These Christmas Cookie Bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days.

Craft Holiday Cheer: Whip up these festive Christmas Cookie Bars that bring instant joy and holiday spirit to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for busy families, these bars require simple ingredients and basic mixing skills, making them a stress-free dessert for all skill levels.
Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these colorful M&M-studded bars will delight both kids and adults with their sweet, cheerful appearance.
No-Fuss Baking Experience: Simply mix, spread, and bake – this recipe eliminates complicated techniques, allowing even novice bakers to create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made.

Main Ingredients:

Butter: A rich and creamy base that provides moisture and flavor to the Christmas cookie bars.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth and caramelization to the bars.
Eggs: Binding agents that help create a soft and cohesive texture.
Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the bars their classic cookie consistency.

Chocolate and Sweet Additions:

M&Ms, White Chocolate Chips: Colorful and delicious mix-ins that bring festive cheer and extra sweetness to the cookie bars.

Pantry Staples:

Vanilla Extract, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential flavor enhancers and leavening agents that balance and improve the overall taste and texture of the bars.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create a Buttery Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together:

Melted butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Blend until silky smooth.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract.

Mix until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking soda
Salt

Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Don’t overmix!

Step 4: Add Colorful Goodies

Fold in most of the M&Ms and white chocolate chips, saving a handful for the topping.

This will make your cookies look extra festive.

Step 5: Spread the Love

Transfer the dough to your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top, pressing them lightly into the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Chill and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, slice into squares and get ready to enjoy your delicious treat!

Reserve some M&Ms to sprinkle on top for a festive, colorful presentation that makes each bar look professionally decorated.
Check bars at 22 minutes since oven temperatures vary; a slightly underbaked center ensures soft, chewy texture.
Melt butter slowly to avoid burning, which can create bitter flavors and affect overall cookie bar quality.
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain maximum freshness and softness.
For crispier edges, use a metal baking pan; for softer bars, opt for a glass or ceramic dish that distributes heat more evenly.

Gluten-Free Holiday Delight: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all mix-ins are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter alternative, and select vegan white chocolate chips and M&Ms for plant-based cookie bars.
Nutty Holiday Version: Add chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor profile.
Low-Sugar Christmas Option: Use sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips for diabetic-friendly bars.

Holiday Festive Plating: Dust bars with powdered sugar for a snowy white Christmas touch.
Dessert Party Presentation: Arrange bars on a festive red or green platter with small candy canes scattered around for extra holiday cheer.
Sweet Gift Idea: Package individual bars in clear cellophane with holiday ribbons as homemade edible gifts for neighbors and friends.
Indulgent Serving Style: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Place bars in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure the container is placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
Warm refrigerated or frozen bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and warm.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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