Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

There’s something about baking during the holidays that feels downright magical, don’t you think? It’s the warm smell of brown sugar and butter wafting through the house, the cheerful pops of red and green, and the excuse t

There’s something about baking during the holidays that feels downright magical, don’t you think? It’s the warm smell of brown sugar and butter wafting through the house, the cheerful pops of red and green, and the excuse to “taste test” before anyone else. These Christmas Cookie Bars bring all of that holiday spirit into one easy, shareable treat. Plus, they’re the perfect solution when you’re short on time but still want a dessert that feels homemade and special.

I remember the first time I made these for a holiday party—I was in a pinch, juggling last-minute gift wrapping and a potluck deadline. I had some Christmas sprinkles and M&Ms in the pantry, and voilà! These cookie bars became an instant hit. They were buttery, chewy, and full of festive charm. I even caught one of my friends sneaking back for seconds (okay, thirds). Now, they’re a yearly tradition that my family looks forward to.

this RECIPE

The story behind these holiday gems

Cookie bars are like the laid-back cousin of cookies—less fuss, more fun. They’re believed to have gained popularity in the mid-20th century when home bakers started experimenting with shortcuts to make large-batch desserts. What’s so great about these Christmas Cookie Bars is that they combine the classic flavors of holiday cookies—think buttery sweetness and a hint of vanilla—with the simplicity of a one-pan recipe. They’re endlessly customizable, too, which makes them perfect for swapping in your favorite holiday candies or sprinkles.

Let’s talk ingredients: sweet, simple, and festive

• Butter (unsalted): This is the backbone of any good cookie bar, providing that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just skip the added salt in the recipe.
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar gives these bars their signature chewiness and a slightly caramel-like flavor. You could substitute with a mix of white sugar and a little molasses in a pinch, but trust me, the brown sugar makes a difference.
• Eggs: They’re the glue that holds everything together, giving the bars their soft structure.
• Vanilla extract: A must for that warm, classic cookie flavor. If you have almond extract on hand, try adding a drop for a festive twist.
• All-purpose flour: It forms the base of the dough. Make sure to measure correctly—too much flour can make the bars dry.
• Baking powder: This helps the bars rise just enough for a soft, slightly crumbly texture.
• Christmas M&Ms: These are the star of the show! Feel free to use your favorite candy-coated chocolates if you can’t find the seasonal ones.
• Christmas sprinkles (jimmies): They add that extra holiday flair. Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed into the dough and can turn it into a colorful mess.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need (and what you can skip)

Here’s what makes this recipe even better: you don’t need anything fancy to pull it off.

• 9×13” metal pan: Metal is your best bet here—it conducts heat evenly, ensuring the bars bake perfectly. Avoid glass pans, which can bake unevenly.
• Foil or parchment paper: Lining the pan makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. (You’ll thank yourself later.)
• Hand or stand mixer: While a hand whisk will work in a pinch, a mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar so much easier.
• Cooking spray: A lifesaver for smoothing out the sticky dough with your hands!

Step-by-step: let’s bake some holiday magic

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare your pan. Line it with foil and give it a generous spray of cooking spray. Trust me, this will make removing the bars a dream.
2. Mix the butter and sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until it’s crumbly but well-combined. You’re looking for a sandy texture here.
3. Add the wet ingredients. Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter becomes smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts happening—the batter will smell heavenly at this stage!
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients. Sprinkle in the salt, baking powder, and flour, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the bars dense.
5. Add the festive mix-ins. Stir in most of the M&Ms and sprinkles, saving a handful for the top. This keeps the colors vibrant and ensures every bite looks festive.
6. Spread the dough. The dough will be sticky, so spray your hands with cooking spray before pressing it evenly into the pan. Top with the reserved M&Ms and sprinkles for that picture-perfect finish.
7. Bake. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if the center looks slightly underbaked—it’ll firm up as it cools.
8. Cool and slice. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the foil. Slice into squares or rectangles, and get ready to wow your crowd.

Variations and adaptations: endless possibilities

These cookie bars are a blank canvas for your creativity. Here are a few ways to make them your own:

• Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I’ve tried this, and the bars still turned out soft and chewy.
• Vegan: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Low-sugar: Cut back on the brown sugar by 1/4 cup, and replace the M&Ms with dark chocolate chips. They’ll be a little less sweet but just as satisfying.
• Seasonal swaps: Use pastel M&Ms for Easter, orange and black sprinkles for Halloween, or red, white, and blue candies for the Fourth of July.
• Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced version. You could also throw in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture.

How to serve these bars like a pro

For a festive presentation, arrange the bars on a holiday-themed platter and sprinkle a few extra sprinkles on top for good measure. If you’re hosting, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert that’s truly indulgent. Or keep things simple by serving them with a mug of hot cocoa—they’re a match made in heaven.

Drinks to pair with your cookie bars

Speaking of hot cocoa, it’s a classic choice for a reason! A spiced chai latte or eggnog also pairs beautifully with the buttery sweetness of these bars. If you’re looking for an adult-friendly option, a glass of mulled wine or a peppermint martini would add a festive touch.

Storing and reheating tips

These bars keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them in a resealable bag. They’ll keep for up to a month and can be thawed at room temperature. To refresh them, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until just warm.

Scaling the recipe for any crowd

Need to make more? Double the recipe and use two 9×13” pans, or halve it for a smaller batch in an 8×8” pan. Keep an eye on the baking time when adjusting the size—smaller batches may bake faster.

Common issues (and how to fix them)

• Bars too dry? You may have overbaked them. Next time, err on the side of underbaking.
• Dough too sticky? Spraying your hands with cooking spray works wonders.
• Uneven baking? Make sure to spread the dough evenly and check your oven temperature with a thermometer.

Wrap-up: why you’ll love this recipe

These Christmas Cookie Bars are everything a holiday dessert should be: easy, festive, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a cookie exchange, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re sure to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season. Give them a try—you might just find yourself starting a new holiday tradition!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Christmas ones?
Of course! The flavor will be the same—just less festive. You can always add extra sprinkles for more holiday flair.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. They stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container, so feel free to bake them the day before your event.

3. Can I use a glass baking dish?
It’s not recommended, as glass can cause uneven baking. Stick with a metal pan for best results.

4. How do I know when the bars are done?
Look for lightly golden edges and a slightly soft center. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool!

5. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap them individually and freeze in a resealable bag for up to a month. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

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