Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars, bursting with festive flavors from M&Ms and white chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift for loved ones, these cookie bars are easy to make and sure to please everyone. Their colorful appearance and rich taste make them a standout dessert during the festive season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners.
- Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors of the red and green M&Ms add a cheerful touch that brightens up any holiday table.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, gifts, or just a sweet snack at home, these cookie bars fit any occasion.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery cookie dough, chocolate chips, and M&Ms creates a mouthwatering treat everyone will love.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings per batch, it’s an ideal dessert for gatherings or cookie exchanges.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to whip up your Christmas Cookie Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking pan (9×13-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cookie bars.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easy to lift out the cookie bars after baking.
Ingredients
Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Cookie Bars, loaded with M&Ms and white chocolate chips. A sweet treat for sharing!
For the Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Step 4: Add M&Ms and Chocolate Chips
Fold in ¾ cup of the red and green M&Ms along with the white chocolate chips. Reserve some M&Ms for topping later.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Top with the remaining M&Ms, pressing them lightly into the dough.
Step 6: Bake Them Up
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until you see golden edges. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your festive treats!
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars
Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars can add a festive touch to your celebrations.
For a Festive Dessert Platter
- Slice and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and arrange them on a colorful platter for an eye-catching display.
- Garnish with Whipped Cream: Top each square with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
As Holiday Gifts
- Wrap Individually: Package each bar in decorative wrapping for thoughtful gifts that friends and family will love.
- Include a Personal Note: Add a handwritten note to each package to share the joy of your baking.
At Parties
- Serve Warm: Offer the cookie bars warm with ice cream on the side for a delicious dessert option.
- Pair with Hot Cocoa: Create a cozy atmosphere by serving the bars alongside steaming mugs of hot cocoa.
For Kids’ Parties
- Decorate Together: Let kids help decorate their own cookie bars with sprinkles or extra M&Ms after baking.
- Mini Bar Sizes: Cut the bars into smaller pieces for bite-sized snacks that are perfect for little hands.
How to Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars
To ensure your Christmas Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Keep your butter and eggs at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature before baking.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing for clean edges and easier serving.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding nuts or different chocolate chips for unique flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Christmas Cookie Bars
While Christmas Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your holiday spread. Here are some great options:
- Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with sweet cookie bars, making it a favorite among guests.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of cookie bars and adds a healthy touch.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can create an interesting contrast to the sweet flavors, perfect for adult gatherings.
- Ice Cream: Serving vanilla or peppermint ice cream alongside warm cookie bars creates a delightful dessert experience.
- Coffee: Brewed coffee offers a nice balance to sweet treats, making it an ideal beverage choice during holiday parties.
- Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix adds texture and variety, perfectly complementing the soft cookie bars while providing healthy fats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Christmas Cookie Bars can be a joy, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the cooling step: Letting the bars cool completely is key. If you cut them too soon, they may crumble and fall apart.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ratios are correct for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Stir until just combined for a soft, chewy texture.
- Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter that bakes evenly.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars as they bake to prevent overcooking or underbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Christmas Cookie Bars
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Christmas Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds per bar for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Christmas Cookie Bars.
How do I make my Christmas Cookie Bars chewy?
To achieve chewiness, don’t overbake them. Remove from the oven when the edges are golden and the center is still slightly soft.
Can I customize my Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or swap M&Ms for chocolate chips or other candies.
How long will Christmas Cookie Bars last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they will last up to 5 days at room temperature and 3 months in the freezer.
What can I serve with Christmas Cookie Bars?
They pair wonderfully with coffee or hot cocoa, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Cookie Bars are festive treats perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Their delicious combination of M&Ms and white chocolate makes them versatile enough for customization. Try adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips to make them your own!
Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars, a perfect blend of festive flavors that will bring joy to your gatherings. These easy-to-make bars are rich in buttery goodness, studded with vibrant red and green M&Ms and creamy white chocolate chips, making them not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or gifting them to loved ones, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit! With their chewy texture and colorful appearance, they embody the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar; whisk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
- Fold in ¾ cup of M&Ms and white chocolate chips. Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan and top with remaining M&Ms.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden edges appear. Cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie bar (45g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
