I remember the first time I made these cookie bars. My kids were buzzing with excitement, their little faces lighting up as they helped me stir and sprinkle colorful M&Ms into the mix. We’d always make a huge batch, not just for our family but also to share with friends and neighbors. It really is the season of giving, after all! Plus, they’re easy enough that even your little helpers can lend a hand.
If you’ve never tried making cookie bars before, don’t worry – they’re a breeze! You’ll find that the process is straightforward and even a bit therapeutic. And the best part? They bake quick, meaning you can have a batch ready before you know it. The chewy texture combined with the burst of sweetness from the M&Ms will have everyone asking for seconds!
As you gather around the table, sharing laughs and stories, these cookie bars are sure to become a new favorite in your household too. Each bar cuts perfectly and looks festive with the holiday sprinkles on top. And, if you’re like me, you might find yourself sneaking an extra piece when no one’s looking. Let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe that’ll undoubtedly bring those warm fuzzy feelings to your home this Christmas! Ready to get started?
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup festive M&Ms (choose your favorite colors)
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (jimmies work best)
Directions
- First things first, let’s get your oven fired up by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch metal baking pan and line it with foil for easy cleanup later. Make sure to give it a good spritz with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is crumbly and well blended. Next, crack in those eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until all things come together nicely.
- Now, let’s add in the salt and baking powder. Once they’re mixed in, it’s time to fold in the flour until just combined. Be gentle here! Finally, carefully mix in the festive M&Ms and sprinkles, ensuring they’ve evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
- Spread that dough into your prepared pan. It may feel a bit sticky, so to make it easier, you might want to coat your hands with a little cooking spray to help smooth everything out. If you’d like, add a few extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top for that beautiful finish.
- Now, slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on those edges; they’ll start to turn a lovely golden brown. Don’t fret if they look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to set up as they cool. Once they’re done, let them sit and cool before you slice them into delicious bars.
Storing Suggestions
These Christmas Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them around longer, pop them in the freezer, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a month. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Cooking Tips
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, consider using flavored extracts like almond or peppermint to enhance the festive spirit. Also, feel free to swap the M&Ms for chocolate chips or dried fruits, or toss in some nuts for added crunch. You can customize these bars however you like!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a real treat. They also pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog during a cozy family gathering. Feel free to dust them with powdered sugar for that extra festive flair!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use an equal amount of margarine or coconut oil. For a dairy-free option, try using plant-based butter. If brown sugar isn’t available, white sugar will work as a substitute, giving a slightly different texture but still yielding delicious results!
Seasonal Variations
In the fall, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist. In spring, consider adding lemon or orange zest to lighten up the bars. It’s wonderful how easily you can adapt this recipe to fit the seasons!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains common allergens like gluten, dairy, and eggs. For a gluten-free version, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour mix. If you’re vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan butter alternative to make these cookie bars suitable for everyone!
FAQ
Can I use a different pan size for this recipe?
While it’s best to stick with the 9×13-inch size for this cookie bar recipe, using an 8×8 inch pan will yield thicker bars. Just remember to increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure they cook all the way through.
How can I tell when my cookie bars are done?
Look for the edges to become golden and firm while the center may still appear slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should have some moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. They will continue firming up as they cool. Don’t overbake!
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, absolutely! These cookie bars freeze wonderfully. Just make sure to allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month.
What if I don’t have mixing tools?
No worries! You can simply mix everything by hand using a sturdy whisk or a wooden spoon. It might take a little elbow grease, but the results will be worth it! Keep mixing until you achieve a smooth batter. Homemade goodness wins every time!
How should I store these bars after baking?
Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’re not eating them all within that time frame, they freeze beautifully for up to a month. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Definitely! These cookie bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. They also taste great even after being stored. Just reheat slightly for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup festive M&Ms choose your favorite colors
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles jimmies work best
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9x13” metal pan, line it with foil, and give it a good spray with cooking spray. (Skip the glass pan for this one!)
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until it feels crumbly. Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing until everything is nice and smooth. Next, blend in the salt and baking powder, followed by the flour. Finally, fold in the M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Spread the mixture into your prepared pan. It might be a little sticky, so spray your hands with cooking spray to help smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle any extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top.
- Bake for about 22-25 minutes until the edges start to turn a lovely golden color. It’s okay if they seem a bit underbaked; they will continue to cook as they cool down. Once done, let them cool before slicing into bars.
- Store these delicious treats in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or pop them in the freezer for up to a month.
