Christmas Cookie Bars

Introduction

Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat—chewy, buttery cookie bars loaded with red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie platters, or simply enjoying with a warm drink on a cold day. These bars are easy to make and customizable for different tastes and occasions.

Ingredients

• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
• Mix-ins and Toppings:
  • 1 cup (180g) red and green M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup (40g) holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
5. Incorporate Mix-ins: Fold in the M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, reserving some for topping.
6. Press and Top: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Press down gently and top with the reserved M&Ms and sprinkles for extra festive flair.
7. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking for softer bars.
8. Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Tips

• Use room-temperature eggs for better texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the bars tender.
• For cleaner cuts, use a knife dipped in hot water and dried.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a must-have holiday dessert—delightfully chewy and packed with festive flavors. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying at home, they bring holiday magic to every bite. Experiment with mix-ins like caramel, pretzels, or mint chips for added variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.