Jolly Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: Festive Treats for All

Sweet memories often cascade through my favorite christmas cookie bars, blending nostalgia with delectable comfort.

Buttery layers promise warmth and joy from the first delightful bite.

Crisp edges hint at childhood celebrations and festive kitchen moments.

Soft centers melt like gentle snowflakes, capturing seasonal magic in each morsel.

Grandma’s secret techniques infuse these treats with love and tradition.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these bars connect generations through shared sweetness.

You’ll find yourself transported to cozy holiday gatherings with every scrumptious square.

Why Christmas Cookie Bars Are A Holiday Hit

• Celebrate Seasonal Cheer: Create mouthwatering Christmas cookie bars that capture holiday spirit with festive M&M's and sprinkles, perfect for spreading joy during the most wonderful time of the year.
• Conquer Quick Baking: Master a simple recipe that requires minimal prep and baking skills, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to craft delicious treats without stress or complicated techniques.
• Customize with Creativity: Personalize these cookie bars by experimenting with different candies, sprinkles, and mix-ins, making each batch unique and tailored to your taste preferences or holiday theme.
• Share Delightful Moments: Bring people together with a crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to slice, serve, and enjoy during family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy celebrations with loved ones.

Ingredients In Christmas Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie bars that provides structure and texture.
• Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the cookie bars.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps achieve a soft, chewy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie bars.

• M&M's: Adds colorful festive candy pieces that provide bursts of chocolate and holiday cheer.
• Pretzels: Introduces a salty crunch that contrasts with the sweet cookie base.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Optional decoration that brings extra festive flair to the cookie bars.

• Baking Soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

How To Bake Christmas Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Station

Set oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch pan and coat it lightly with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Creamy Butter Base

Combine softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar in a large mixing bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until ingredients are smoothly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a chewy texture.

Step 5: Introduce Festive Mix-ins

• M&M's
• Crushed pretzels

Reserve a small portion of each topping for decorative sprinkle on top.

Step 6: Spread and Decorate Dough

Transfer dough to prepared pan, spreading evenly with spatula. Sprinkle reserved M&M’s and pretzel pieces across the surface. Optional: Add holiday sprinkles for extra cheer.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place pan in preheated oven. Bake 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Test doneness by inserting toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Allow bars to rest in pan for 10 minutes. Use parchment paper edges to lift out and transfer to wire rack. Let cool completely before cutting.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut into square portions. Serve and enjoy these delightful holiday treats with loved ones!

Quick Tips For Christmas Cookie Bars Success

• Prevent Crumbly Bars: Measure flour precisely using the spoon-and-level method to ensure perfect texture and avoid dry, crumbly cookie bars.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust M&M's quantity based on personal preference, reducing or increasing for balanced sweetness.
• Boost Pretzel Crunch: Toast pretzels briefly before crushing to enhance their nutty flavor and maintain crispy texture in the bars.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 weeks, perfect for make-ahead holiday treats.
• Swap Ingredients Easily: Replace M&M's with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for different holiday flavor variations.

Ideas To Switch Up Christmas Cookie Bars

• Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free pretzels for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Christmas Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select vegan chocolate candies to create plant-based cookie bars.
• Nut-Free Festive Option: Swap pretzel pieces with crispy rice cereal for crunch, ensuring the recipe remains safe for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Bars: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate dark chocolate chips for reduced sweetness.

Tasty Pairings For Christmas Cookie Bars

• Pair with Warm Beverages: Hot cocoa or spiced apple cider will complement the sweet and salty cookie bars perfectly, enhancing the festive flavor profile.
• Elevate with Cold Milk: Fresh, chilled milk balances the richness of the cookie bars, cutting through the sweetness and providing a classic cookie-drinking experience.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Serve alongside peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, and sugar cookies to create a diverse holiday dessert spread that offers multiple textures and flavors.
• Match with Winter Cocktails: For adult gatherings, pair with bourbon-based cocktails or a creamy eggnog, which will highlight the cookie's sweet and salty notes while adding a festive touch.

Best Way To Store Christmas Cookie Bars

• Seal cooled cookie bars in a tight container with parchment paper between layers, keeping them fresh for 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag, storing up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
• Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating and maintain soft texture.
• Let frozen bars thaw naturally at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, restoring their original delicious taste and texture.

Questions About Christmas Cookie Bars

• Are these cookie bars gluten-free?

No, they are not gluten-free as the recipe uses all-purpose flour. People with gluten sensitivities would need to substitute with gluten-free flour.

• Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these bars 2-3 days in advance. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.

• How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted in the center. This typically takes 20-25 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas cookie bars bring holiday cheer with layers of sweet nostalgia and rich chocolate. Warm spices and creamy frosting invite friends and family to savor delightful seasonal memories you’ll treasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Flavoring and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Decorative and Textural Ingredients:

• 1 cup M&M’s (red and green)
• 1 cup mini pretzels, roughly crushed
• 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
• Additional M&M’s and pretzels for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, ensuring side overhang for easy removal.
2. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract until evenly combined.
4. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing until just combined to maintain a chewy texture.
5. Gently fold M&M’s and crushed pretzels into the dough, reserving a small portion for topping.
6. Distribute cookie dough evenly across prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface. Sprinkle reserved M&M’s, pretzels, and optional holiday sprinkles on top.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Once fully cooled, slice into squares and serve these festive Christmas cookie bars to eager guests.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookie bars.
• Customize the recipe by swapping M&M’s with different holiday-themed candies or chocolate chips.
• For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free pretzels.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg