Name: Christmas Cookie Bars – Soft, Chewy, and Irresistibly Festive
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup holiday M&Ms; Optional: red and green sprinkles

Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. These treats are buttery, festive, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips and colorful holiday M&Ms. They offer a simple solution for anyone looking to whip up a big batch of cookies without the hassle of rolling or scooping. You can easily share them at parties, give them as gifts, or serve them on your holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584

This recipe for Christmas Cookie Bars is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. They combine the rich flavors of brown sugar and butter with the sweetness of M&Ms, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. You’ll love that they require no special equipment or skills, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels. Plus, they are a vegetarian-friendly treat, ensuring everyone can enjoy them. With a total time of just 35 minutes, including preparation and baking, you can have delicious bars ready in no time!

Ingredients for ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584

Gather these items:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup holiday M&Ms
Optional: red and green sprinkles

How to Make ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584 Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Stir together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in egg and vanilla.
Step 3: Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips and M&Ms.
Step 4: Spread batter into the pan and top with extra M&Ms or sprinkles.
Step 5: Bake for 22–25 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Christmas Cookie Bars – Soft, Chewy, and Irresistibly Festive - ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584 - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584

Keep these in mind:

Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid dense bars.
If you want a richer flavor, use light brown sugar instead of dark.
For a festive touch, add red and green sprinkles on top before baking.
These bars can be cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats.

Best Ways to Serve ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584

Consider these serving ideas:

Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Serve them with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
Wrap them in festive packaging as holiday gifts for friends and family.

How to Store and Reheat ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584

For storage, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. If you prefer them warm, microwave for a few seconds before serving, making them even gooier and more delicious. This is a great treat for meal prep as well, allowing you to enjoy a sweet snack throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584

What’s the secret to perfect ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584?

The secret lies in not overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Gentle folding ensures the bars remain soft and chewy.

Can I make ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584 ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This can save time during busy holiday preparations.

How do I avoid common mistakes with ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584?

To avoid mistakes, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and egg, to achieve the best texture.

Variations of ?utm Source=rss&utm Medium=rss&utm Campaign=%25f0%259f%258e%2584 You Can Try

Consider these fun variations:

Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunch.
Substitute white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a festive twist.