Christmas Cookie Bars 2

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The holiday season calls for festive treats that bring everyone together, and these Christmas Cookie Bars are just the ticket. Packed with holiday M&M candies, chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of festive cheer, these cookie bars offer a simple yet delicious way to add some holiday spirit to any gathering. In this guide, we’ll dive into the recipe, share helpful tips, answer common questions, and break down the nutritional value, all while optimizing for a delightful user experience and SEO rankings.

Christmas Cookie Bars are chewy, dense, and filled with festive ingredients, making them a colorful addition to your dessert table. They’re baked in a single sheet, then cut into bars for easy serving, which makes them perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. Unlike traditional cookies, these bars require less individual shaping and come together quickly in a single pan. Let’s get baking!

Using simple ingredients, this recipe creates a festive treat with a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

Basic Ingredients for the Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, melted – adds a rich, buttery base.
1 cup brown sugar, packed – for a hint of caramel-like depth.
1 cup granulated sugar – balances the sweetness and gives structure.

2 large eggs – provides moisture and richness.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – enhances the flavors of the dough.

Dry Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of your bars.

1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the bars rise slightly.
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances out the sweetness.

Festive Add-Ins

1 cup holiday M&M candies – add a festive touch with vibrant colors.

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – for that classic cookie flavor.
1/2 cup holiday sprinkles – a fun addition to make these bars truly festive.

Here’s how to bring these cookie bars to life in just a few easy steps:

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal of the bars once they’re baked.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy. The melted butter helps create a soft, chewy texture in the finished bars.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Stir in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is fully combined. This step adds richness and depth to the dough.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the bars tough.

5. Fold in the Festive Add-Ins

Gently fold in the holiday M&M candies, chocolate chips, and holiday sprinkles. This step is where the festive magic happens, adding color and a delicious texture to every bite.

6. Spread and Smooth the Dough

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth out the top. Ensure it’s spread evenly so the bars cook uniformly.

7. Bake and Cool

Bake the cookie bars in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into bars and serving.

Achieving perfect Christmas Cookie Bars is simple if you keep these tips in mind:

Avoid Overbaking: For soft and chewy bars, take them out as soon as the edges are golden. The center will continue cooking as the bars cool.

Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to substitute the M&Ms or sprinkles with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips.
Cutting the Bars: To get clean, even cuts, let the bars cool fully before slicing. A sharp knife helps make straight lines.
Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, making them a great option for make-ahead treats.

While these bars are a treat, understanding their nutritional profile can help you enjoy them mindfully. Here’s a detailed breakdown per serving:

Nutrition Details

Serving: 1 bar
Calories: Approximately 280

Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 90mg

Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Vitamin A: 10% of Daily Value (DV)

Calcium: 2% of DV
Iron: 5% of DV

Although indulgent, Christmas Cookie Bars offer an energy boost, perfect for holiday gatherings. The butter provides a dose of fat for a satisfying texture, while the M&Ms and chocolate chips add sweetness and festive flair.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars store well, so you can make them a day or two ahead. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for up to three months.

Are there substitutions for the holiday M&Ms?

Absolutely! Swap them out for other holiday candies, white chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for a festive twist.

What if I want a softer texture?

For a softer texture, bake the bars for a slightly shorter time. Keep an eye on them as they approach the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. If it has a few moist crumbs, the bars are perfect!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling the recipe works great! Just use a larger pan or bake in two batches. Adjust the baking time as needed.

How should I store the leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.

Christmas Cookie Bars are an ideal addition to your holiday treat list, with festive colors, rich flavors, and a chewy texture that everyone will love. Follow this recipe for a batch that’s sure to be the star of any holiday party!

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