Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: A Festive and Easy Holiday Treat

Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful fusion of the best parts of cookies and the simplicity of a bar. These soft, chewy treats are packed with festive flavors and vibrant colors, making them perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for loved ones. With white chocolate chips, red and green M&M’s, and optional marshmallows, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and decorate.

What Are Christmas Cookie Bars?

Christmas Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of holiday cookies with the ease of baking in a single pan. Featuring buttery dough, a touch of vanilla, and festive add-ins like chocolate chips and colorful candies, these bars are a fun, shareable treat that requires no rolling or shaping. They’re perfect for when you want something festive without the fuss of individual cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No need to roll or shape dough—just press into a pan and bake.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite festive candies, nuts, or sprinkles for endless variations.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes a large batch ideal for parties or gifting.
• Holiday Spirit: Bright, colorful, and loaded with festive flavors.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins and Decorations

• 1 1/2 cups (250g) white chocolate chips
• 1 cup (150g) red and green M&M’s (or festive candy of your choice)
• 1/2 cup (60g) mini marshmallows (optional, for an extra festive touch)
• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Combine Dry Ingredients

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugars

4. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

Add Eggs and Vanilla

5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.

Add the Fun Stuff

8. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, M&M’s, and mini marshmallows (if using). Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra festivity if desired.

Spread the Batter

9. Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.

Bake

10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
11. Keep an eye on the bars in the final minutes to prevent overbaking.

Cool and Cut

12. Let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
13. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then cut into squares or bars.

Decorate (Optional)

14. Sprinkle additional festive M&Ms or sprinkles on top for extra holiday flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa for a classic holiday treat.
• Serve on a festive platter at holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.
• Wrap individual bars in cellophane with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the bars.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Spiced Flavor: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday touch.

FAQs

Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes! These bars store well, making them ideal for baking a day or two before an event.

Can I Substitute the M&M’s?

Absolutely! Use any festive candies, chocolate chips, or dried fruits.

What if I Don’t Have Marshmallows?

You can skip them or replace them with chopped caramels or butterscotch chips for extra sweetness.

Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive, foolproof treat that’s perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with family, these bars are sure to be a hit. Try them out and let us know how they turn out—happy baking!

Print