Christmas Cookie Bars

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year for baking. There’s just something so magical about filling the kitchen with sweet smells and festive treats! These past few years, one recipe has truly stolen the show and become a beloved tradition in my home: my easy-peasy Christmas Cookie Bars. They’re simple to make, packed with holiday cheer, and always disappear faster than I can say “Ho Ho Ho”!

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Bars

• They’re incredibly easy to make – perfect for beginner bakers or busy holidays!
• Chewy, soft, and loaded with festive M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
• No individual cookie scooping means more time for holiday fun.
• The perfect treat for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened, but not melted. This helps create that creamy base for your cookie dough. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content.
• Light Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a lovely caramel-like flavor that white sugar alone can’t achieve. Pack it down firmly when measuring!
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on the good stuff here! Vanilla really brings out all the other flavors.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These are your leavening agents that give the bars a perfect lift and chewiness.
• Kosher Salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Christmas M&M’s, Chocolate Chips, & Sprinkles: These are what make them “Christmas” cookie bars! Feel free to use your favorite mix-ins, but definitely keep the festive colors.

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Step by Step

First things first, let’s get your oven ready! You’ll want to preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 9×9 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out later super easy!

Next, in your stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), combine your softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat these together until they’re light and fluffy – this is where the magic happens for that perfect texture. Then, add in your large egg and the pure vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to make sure it’s all incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Once that’s mixed, gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix! Now for the fun part: fold in ¾ cup of the Christmas M&M’s, ¾ cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and ¼ cup of the Christmas sprinkles. Gently press this colorful dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles on top for a beautiful finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Don’t worry if the center looks a little soft; it will set as it cools. Let them cool completely before slicing – I know it’s hard to wait!

My Top Tips for Success

• I always make sure my butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best cookie bar texture.
• In my experience, lining the baking dish with parchment paper is a game-changer for easy removal and cleanup.
• Trust me on this one: don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added. Just mix until combined to keep the bars tender.
• For perfectly neat slices, let the bars cool completely before cutting. You can even chill them in the fridge briefly.
• When measuring brown sugar, always pack it firmly into the measuring cup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough, dense cookie bars. Mix until the flour streaks just disappear.
• Not cooling completely before cutting: If you cut them warm, they’ll crumble and be messy. Patience is key for clean slices!
• Overbaking: Baking too long will result in dry bars. Look for lightly golden edges and a still-soft center.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, affecting the texture of your bars. Make sure it’s at room temperature.

How to Store Christmas Cookie Bars

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of sprinkles should I use?

I recommend using a mix of festive red, green, and white sprinkles. Jimmie sprinkles or nonpareils both work wonderfully for adding that holiday sparkle.

Can I use different kinds of chocolate?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can swap them for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips if you prefer.

My bars seem a little dry, what happened?

Most likely, they were overbaked. Keep an eye on them in the oven and pull them out when the edges are lightly golden, even if the center looks slightly soft.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these Christmas Cookie Bars are great for making ahead! They stay fresh at room temperature for several days and also freeze beautifully.

Do I have to use a stand mixer?

No, a stand mixer makes it easier, but a hand mixer works just as well. You can even mix them by hand with a sturdy spatula, though it will require a bit more arm work!

I genuinely hope these Christmas Cookie Bars bring a little extra cheer and deliciousness to your holiday season. They’re such a simple way to create something special! If you whip up a batch, I’d absolutely love to hear how they turned out and what festive moments they were a part of.

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