Christmas Cookie Bars

Name: Christmas Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms; 1/4 cup crushed pretzels; 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 19, 2025

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Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season with every bite. Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with the warm, buttery aroma of fresh-baked cookies, and you can almost hear the laughter of loved ones gathered around. These cookie bars combine sweet chocolate and colorful M&Ms with the surprising crunch of pretzels, providing a festive snack that’s both fun and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply looking for a sweet indulgence to enjoy while cozying up by the fire, this recipe is perfect. It’s easy to whip up and creates a dazzling dessert that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Let’s get started, shall we? You’ll soon have a tray full of delicious Christmas Cookie Bars that will brighten any celebration!

Why This Recipe Works

When you think of the perfect holiday treat, balance is key. These Christmas Cookie Bars have it all—sweetness from the sugars, richness from the butter, and a bit of saltiness from the pretzels. This mix creates a beautiful harmony of flavors.

The textures also play a significant role. Soft, chewy cookie bars with crunchy M&Ms and pretzels provide a delightful contrast. Not only does this combination satisfy your cravings, but it also brings a happy festive vibe to your gatherings.

Baking is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s a science. The combination of butter and sugar creates a light texture, while baking powder helps the bars rise just perfectly. This recipe ensures each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with flavors that linger delightfully.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Bars

Let’s face it: the holidays can be hectic. That’s why this Christmas Cookie Bars recipe stands out. It’s quick and easy—perfect for those busy days when you need a treat without the fuss.

Beyond simplicity, the visual appeal is captivating. The contrasting red and green M&Ms make these bars perfect for festive celebrations. They’re not just tasty; they look cheerful too!

Remember the excitement of family get-togethers during the holidays? These cookie bars are a wonderful way to rekindle those joyful memories. Picture gathering around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying the crispy and chewy goodness together.

Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
1/4 cup crushed pretzels
1/4 cup holiday sprinkles

Preparing Your Christmas Cookie Bars

Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature ensures your cookie bars bake evenly. Next, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang. That will help you lift the bars out easily once they’re baked.

Cream Butter and Sugars Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to incorporate air, which gives the bars a nice texture.

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Now it’s time to add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. This step is important for creating a smooth batter. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for a cozy flavor boost.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is key to helping your cookie bars rise. Gradually add it to the wet ingredients while mixing gently. Be cautious not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Fold in Festive Add-ins

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in about 3/4 of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, red and green M&Ms, and crushed pretzels. Doing this by hand keeps the texture light and fluffy while adding crunchy and colorful elements.

Spread and Decorate the Dough

Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Once it’s leveled, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips, M&Ms, and pretzels on top, finishing it off with a generous dash of holiday sprinkles. This will make your cookie bars look as festive as they taste.

Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to become lightly golden, while the center should remain soft. Test with a toothpick; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!

Cool and Cut

After baking, let your cookie bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out easily. Once out, cut them into squares. This is the moment where the smell fills your kitchen!

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve cut the bars, it’s time to enjoy them. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or even hot cocoa for that extra festive touch. These Christmas Cookie Bars also shine on dessert platters alongside other holiday favorites.

Tips for Success

Always use room-temperature butter. This helps it cream evenly with the sugars, leading to a better texture.
Don’t over-bake! Check at the 20-minute mark. You want those moist crumbs for chewy bars.

Variations

Feel free to mix things up! Try different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, for a fun twist. You could also add nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prepare ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze them for longer storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can work, unsalted butter is highly recommended for the best flavor.

2. How do I know when the cookie bars are done?
Look for edges that are lightly golden. A toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs attached.

3. Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a few days prior and store them in an airtight container.

4. Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! Just substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

5. What can I use instead of eggs?
Try 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg for a vegan alternative.

The joy of making Christmas Cookie Bars lies not only in their delicious taste but also in the memories they create. Whether you enjoy them during holiday gatherings or share them as thoughtful gifts, these bars are a celebration of the season. Gather your loved ones, your ingredients, and start baking—your holiday magic begins with these scrumptious cookie bars!