The Best Christmas Cookie Bars

A Festive Treat for the Holiday Season

Christmas cookie bars are the perfect holiday treat—easy to make, beautifully festive, and incredibly delicious. These bars combine the best elements of classic Christmas cookies into a simple, sliceable dessert that’s perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, and family gatherings. Whether you love sugar cookies, gingerbread, or chocolate, this recipe delivers a chewy, flavorful bar packed with holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Bars

• Effortless Baking: No need to roll, cut, or shape individual cookies—just bake, slice, and serve.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These bars strike the perfect balance between a cookie and a brownie.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different mix-ins and toppings.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them up in decorative tins for an easy homemade holiday gift.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup red and green M&M’s
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup additional M&M’s
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips
• ¼ cup festive sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with nonstick spray.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Create the Cookie Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips, M&M’s, and crushed candy canes if using.

5. Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles on top for a festive finish.

Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Variations and Customizations

• Peppermint Chocolate: Replace the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate and add more crushed candy canes.
• Gingerbread Spice: Add 1 teaspoon ginger and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the dough for a spiced holiday flavor.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Frosted Fun: Drizzle melted white chocolate or a simple vanilla glaze over the bars for an extra festive touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 22-25 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?

Make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, but the center still looks slightly underbaked—it will firm up as it cools.

Can I substitute butter with oil?

Butter is best for flavor and texture, but you can substitute ¾ cup of oil if needed. However, the bars may be slightly less chewy.

What’s the best way to cut them neatly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the bars before slicing can also help get clean edges.

Can I add frosting to these bars?

Absolutely! A simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting would complement these bars beautifully.

How can I make them extra chewy?

Using more brown sugar than white sugar, as this recipe does, helps keep them chewy. Additionally, don’t overmix the dough, and be sure not to overbake them.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! You can swap white chocolate chips for milk, dark, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! If you want a larger batch, double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans.

What if I don’t have M&M’s?

You can replace them with chopped chocolate bars, mini chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for a different texture and flavor.

Are these bars good for shipping?

Yes! They are sturdy enough for shipping, making them a great homemade gift. Just wrap them well and pack them in a tin or box with wax paper between layers.

Conclusion

These Christmas cookie bars are the ultimate festive treat—quick to make, deliciously chewy, and packed with holiday flavors. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or simply indulging in a sweet seasonal dessert, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try them out, customize them to your liking, and enjoy a taste of Christmas in every bite!

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