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 2

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup holiday M&M candies
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup holiday sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl, stirring until well mixed. This creates the base for your cookie bars and gives them a rich, caramel flavor.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bars tough, so keep it gentle!
Fold in the holiday M&M candies, chocolate chips, and sprinkles. The colorful candies and sprinkles add festive flair, while the chocolate chips provide that melty, irresistible richness.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the bars in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Notes

Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them while baking. The bars should be slightly soft in the middle; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Customize Toppings: If you want a twist, try adding white chocolate chips or nuts like pecans or walnuts. They add a crunchy, delightful surprise!
Easy Cutting: Let the bars cool fully before slicing to get clean edges.
Store in Airtight Containers: To keep them fresh and chewy, store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280kcal
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Holiday cookie bars, Festive Christmas treats, Holiday baking recipes