Description
Holiday magic meets sweet indulgence in these Christmas cookie bars, blending rich flavors and festive cheer. Buttery layers of chocolate, nuts, and seasonal spices create a delightful treat you’ll crave all winter long.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Flavoring:
None
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or greasing thoroughly.
- Create a smooth wet mixture by whisking melted butter with brown and granulated sugars until fully integrated, then incorporate eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Separately combine the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, and salt – ensuring even distribution of the powdery components.
- Gently merge the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Delicately fold most of the M&Ms and white chocolate chips into the developing dough, preserving a portion for decorative topping.
- Transfer the dough evenly across the prepared pan, using gentle pressure to create a uniform layer and strategically place remaining M&Ms on the surface.
- Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden and a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
- Allow the baked bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps set the structure and ensures clean cutting lines when slicing into squares.
Notes
- Swap M&Ms with seasonal colored candies or crushed peppermint for a Christmas-themed twist.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense bars; stir just until ingredients are combined.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- These bars stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 252
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 118 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg