Christmas Cookie Bars

Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars. Packed with colorful M&Ms and creamy white chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift for friends and family. Not only do they boast a vibrant appearance, but they also offer a chewy texture that everyone will love. Easy to make and even easier to share, these cookie bars will quickly become a festive favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these Christmas Cookie Bars in no time.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of M&Ms and white chocolate creates a deliciously sweet treat that captures the essence of the holidays.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for parties or gifts; these bars are ideal for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an after-dinner dessert, a lunchbox treat, or even at holiday cookie exchanges.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, making this recipe a fun activity for families during the festive season.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Christmas Cookie Bars, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking pan (9×13-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly, ensuring your dough is smooth.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your mixtures, resulting in a light texture in your cookie bars.
• Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking without burning the edges or undercooking the center.

Ingredients

Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Cookie Bars, loaded with M&Ms and white chocolate chips. A sweet treat for sharing!

For the Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Dry Mix

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

For the Mix-Ins

• 1 cup red and green M&Ms
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Fold in ¾ cup of M&Ms along with white chocolate chips. Reserve some M&Ms for topping later.

Step 5: Spread in Pan

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Top it off with remaining M&Ms by pressing them lightly into the dough.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your Christmas Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy sharing this festive treat!

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars

These delightful Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Whether at a festive gathering or as a sweet treat at home, here are some fun serving suggestions.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the bars on a large platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a vibrant presentation.

Individual Wraps

• Cut the bars into squares and wrap them in festive cellophane or parchment paper, tied with ribbon for easy gifting.

Holiday Ice Cream Sundae

• Serve warm cookie bars topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.

Cookie Bar Stacks

• Stack two bars with a layer of whipped cream or frosting in between for a fun twist on traditional cookies.

Family Style Dessert

• Place the entire pan on the table for a family-style dessert where everyone can serve themselves.

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars

To ensure your Christmas Cookie Bars come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and sugars blend smoothly, creating a better texture.
• Don’t overmix: Stir the dry ingredients just until combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.
• Check baking time: Every oven is different; check the bars a few minutes before the recommended bake time to avoid overbaking.
• Cool completely: Letting the bars cool in the pan helps them set properly before slicing.
• Store correctly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor variations!

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Cookie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Cookie Bars can elevate your holiday spread. Here are some great options.

1. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa complements the sweetness of cookie bars perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the desserts.
3. Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses and crackers for guests who enjoy savory flavors alongside sweets.
4. Ice Cream: Vanilla bean or peppermint ice cream can enhance your cookie bar experience during holiday gatherings.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie texture.
6. Coffee: Offer freshly brewed coffee as a classic pairing that enhances dessert flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when baking Christmas Cookie Bars. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter, leading to better texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your bars tough. Stir until just combined for softer, chewier cookie bars.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents compacting and ensures accurate amounts.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan is essential for cleaner cuts and better flavor development.
• Not checking for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if they are done. If it comes out clean, they are ready; otherwise, bake a little longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Christmas Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Christmas Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds until warm, but not hot.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes, keeping them soft and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Christmas Cookie Bars:

How can I customize my Christmas Cookie Bars?

You can swap M&Ms for other candies like chocolate chips or nuts. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance flavor.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Ensure it’s suitable for baking.

How do I prevent my bars from sticking?

Use parchment paper or grease your baking pan well before adding the dough. This makes removal much easier.

What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?

If they crumble when cutting, they might need more moisture. Consider adding an extra egg or a spoonful of milk next time.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment during holiday gatherings.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving. Their festive colors and sweet flavors appeal to everyone! Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different chocolates, making this recipe versatile and fun. Enjoy baking!