I remember the first time I made these scrumptious Christmas cookie bars for our family gathering. The kitchen was filled with the warmth of the oven and the sweet aroma of vanilla and sugar. My kids rushed in, their eyes lighting up at the sight of colorful M&Ms and sprinkles. You know how it is—when you whip up a batch of goodies that not only taste delightful but also bring a dash of festive cheer, you can’t help but smile!
What really makes these cookie bars a hit is how easy they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dessert that everyone will love. I’ve seen both children and adults go back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s like a little bit of happiness baked into each bite. Plus, they’re perfect for gatherings or just to spread some holiday cheer at home.
Now, if you’re worried about cooking time, don’t be! You can whip these up in under an hour—even if you’re juggling kids or work. Prep takes about 20 minutes, and who doesn’t love a sweet treat that can be ready in a flash? I often make these to share with friends, and they never fail to ask for the recipe! It’s easy to adapt, too—so you can put a personal twist on it. Whether you want to use different holiday colors or add your favorite nuts, the sky’s the limit!
So, if you’re looking for something festive to bake this season, these Christmas cookie bars are where it’s at! They’ll not only fill your bellies but also your hearts with joy. Gather your loved ones around, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking together. Trust me, after trying these, they’ll become a holiday tradition in your home, just like they are in mine!
How to Make Best Christmas Cookie Bars
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Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 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 colorful Christmas M&Ms (or your preferred color)
- ½ cup festive sprinkles (jimmies work best)
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch metal baking dish with aluminum foil and give it a good spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the packed brown sugar, using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Beat until you achieve a crumbly mixture. Then add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
Next, sprinkle the salt and baking powder into the mix, stirring well. Gradually add the flour and mix until fully incorporated. Finally, gently fold in those eye-catching M&Ms and sprinkles, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the colorful batter into the prepared baking pan. It’ll be a bit sticky, so lightly spraying your hands with cooking spray can help you spread it out evenly. Feel free to toss a few extra M&Ms or sprinkles on top if you like!
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should just start to turn golden. Remember, they will firm up as they cool, so it’s okay if they’re slightly underbaked. Let them cool, then cut into squares for serving.
Storing Suggestions
To keep your Christmas cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them for up to one month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature!
Cooking Tips
If you’re looking for a twist, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor. You can also throw in some chopped nuts or dried fruit along with the M&Ms for added texture. Experiment with different types of sprinkles based on your favorite holiday themes or colors!
Serving Suggestions
These cookie bars can be served warm, great for a cozy holiday night. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cocoa. For a bit of fun, package them in festive bags as gifts for neighbors or friends during the holiday season. They’ll be sure to brighten anyone’s day!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of unsalted butter, feel free to use margarine or coconut oil as a replacement. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter. You can swap brown sugar for white sugar if that’s what you have on hand; however, it will change the flavor slightly. Get creative with your favorite chocolate candies if M&Ms aren’t your thing!
Seasonal Variations
In the spring, you can swap holiday-themed decorations for pastel M&Ms and sprinkles for Easter. During Halloween, make them spooky with orange and black candies. In the summer, adding fresh berries can give a refreshing twist to the sweetness, while in fall, throwing in some cinnamon and nutmeg can really capture the season!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten and eggs. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. To make it egg-free, use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Always check labels of ingredients for allergen information!
FAQ
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just remember, if you chill the dough, it may take a little longer to bake. On the other hand, baked bars can also be made up to four days in advance and stored properly in an airtight container.
How should I store the cookie bars?
To maintain freshness, keep the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last a good four days this way. If you need to keep them for longer, freezing them is a great option. Just ensure they’re wrapped well to avoid freezer burn.
What’s the best way to cut the bars evenly?
To cut the cookie bars evenly, allow them to cool completely after baking. A sharp knife or a pizza cutter works wonders for clean edges. For even more accurate cuts, you can score them lightly before they fully cool, making it easier to slice nicely afterward.
Can I use different fillings for these cookie bars?
Sure! These cookie bars are incredibly versatile. You can substitute M&Ms for chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits. Get creative! Just remember to maintain the overall balance of the batter, so the other ingredients can complement the new fillings.
What should I do if the cookie bars don’t bake evenly?
If your cookie bars are baking unevenly, it could be due to your oven temperature. It’s always a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Also, make sure not to crowd the oven. If one side bakes faster, halfway through baking, rotate the pan for more even heating.
Are these cookie bars suitable for gifting?
Definitely! These festive cookie bars make an excellent gift! Package them in decorative boxes or holiday-themed bags. They’ll be a hit at office parties or as neighbor gifts during the holidays. Just be sure to place a note about storage if they’re going to someone outside your household!
Best Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g
- 2 cups brown sugar packed, 400g
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 248g
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms or favorite color
- 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles jimmies work best
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13” metal baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine butter and brown sugar with a mixer until crumbly. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Add salt and baking powder, mixing well before incorporating flour. Fold in M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan, smoothing it with cooking spray on hands if needed. Top with extra mix-ins.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, until edges start to turn golden. Cool before cutting into bars.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to a month.
