Christmas Cookie Bars

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When the holidays roll around, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home. And what better way to spread the holiday cheer than with a batch of Christmas Cookie Bars? These festive treats blend the joy of baking with the excitement of seasonal ingredients like red and green M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this easy recipe will guide you step-by-step to create the perfect holiday snack.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of Christmas Cookie Bars, from their ingredients to helpful baking tips, nutritional benefits, and commonly asked questions. Let’s get started and make this holiday season extra special!

Christmas cookie bars offer the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. While traditional cookies are always a hit, cookie bars allow you to skip the scooping and rolling of dough, saving you time during the busy holiday season. Plus, they’re a great alternative to classic Christmas cookies, with a chewy and gooey texture that’s hard to resist.

These bars combine the rich flavors of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla with festive M&M’s and white chocolate. The result? A treat that’s visually appealing, delicious, and guaranteed to impress at any holiday gathering.

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of these festive bars. They are all common pantry staples, making this recipe convenient and quick.

Essential Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a chewy texture to the bars.

1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Sweetens the dough while also imparting a deep, caramel flavor.
1 large egg: Provides structure and binds the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie bars.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.

1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a touch of chewiness.
1 cup red and green M&M’s: These holiday-themed candies add a pop of color and chocolatey goodness.
1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Creamy white chocolate balances the festive flavors.

1/4 cup holiday sprinkles: For an extra festive touch and a bit of crunch.

By using a mix of traditional cookie ingredients with fun holiday-themed mix-ins, you’ll create bars that not only taste great but also look spectacular.

Let’s walk through the baking process, step by step. Even if you’re new to baking, these instructions will guide you to success!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step prevents sticking and ensures that your bars are easy to remove from the pan later.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The brown sugar not only sweetens the dough but also gives the bars their characteristic chewy texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookie bars.

Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the red and green M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. These festive ingredients give your bars a burst of color and flavor. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry out the bars, so keep a close eye on them as they near the end of their baking time.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once done, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. This will make slicing easier and prevent the bars from crumbling. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. These bars are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even as edible gifts!

Baking isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s also about knowing a few tricks to ensure success. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when making Christmas Cookie Bars.

1. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Mix the dry ingredients just until combined with the wet ones. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars. The goal is to maintain a tender, chewy texture.

2. Get Creative with Mix-Ins

While the recipe calls for red and green M&M’s and white chocolate chips, feel free to experiment! You can swap in dark chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture and flavor.

3. Check for Doneness Early

Oven temperatures can vary, so begin checking the bars around the 20-minute mark. The bars should be lightly golden on top and soft in the center. Overbaking will make them dry.

4. Make Ahead and Store

These cookie bars store well! You can bake them in advance and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

While these Christmas Cookie Bars are undeniably indulgent, it’s important to know what’s in each serving. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information per serving, based on a 9-square serving size.

Nutrition Details

Serving: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 33g

Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 95mg
Fiber: 0.5g

Sugar: 24g
Vitamin A: 3% Daily Value
Calcium: 2% Daily Value

Iron: 6% Daily Value

While these bars aren’t a health food, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced holiday diet. The butter provides fat for energy, while the M&M’s and sprinkles add a festive touch that makes these bars a joy to eat.

Can I Use a Different Type of Chocolate?

Yes! While the recipe calls for white chocolate chips, feel free to use dark or milk chocolate if you prefer. You can also experiment with different holiday-themed candies for a unique twist.

How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour.

How Long Do These Bars Stay Fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Christmas Cookie Bars stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re baking for a crowd, double the ingredients and bake the bars in a larger pan (such as a 9×13-inch dish). Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, starting to check for doneness around 25-30 minutes.

There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than by baking a batch of Christmas Cookie Bars. With their festive colors, chewy texture, and delicious flavor, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie, this easy recipe will have you whipping up holiday treats in no time.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars today!

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