Christmas Cookie Bars

These Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, bringing together the rich flavor of chocolate chips, festive M&M’s, and a chewy texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup mini M&M’s (optional for festive color)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, and walnuts (if using).
6. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cookie bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 250 per serving
Servings: 16 bars

Origin and History of Christmas Cookie Bars

Christmas cookies have been a beloved part of holiday traditions for centuries. The idea of creating festive treats around Christmas is thought to have originated in Germany in the 16th century, where it was customary to bake gingerbread and other sweets to celebrate the season. Over time, various cultures and regions developed their own unique holiday cookies, with American bakers putting their spin on these recipes by incorporating rich flavors like chocolate, nuts, and spices.

Christmas Cookie Bars, like the one in this recipe, are a modern twist on traditional cookie recipes. The concept of cookie bars offers the same delicious flavors and textures of cookies but in a more convenient, easy-to-make form. With fewer steps and less mess, cookie bars have become a favorite for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.

These bars combine the richness of butter and brown sugar with the sweetness of chocolate chips, making them a perfect holiday treat. Adding festive mini M&M’s or colorful sprinkles brings a joyful pop of color that fits perfectly with the holiday spirit. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party or simply enjoying a cozy moment with family, these cookie bars will surely make everyone smile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple & Easy to Make: Unlike traditional cookies that require rolling dough and scooping individual portions, this cookie bar recipe involves mixing the dough in one bowl and spreading it into a pan. Once baked, simply cut into squares—easy as that!
2. Perfect for Sharing: With a large batch that makes 16 servings, these cookie bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or office parties. You’ll have plenty to share without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Customizable for Your Taste: This recipe is highly customizable. If you prefer other mix-ins like white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans, feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. You can even add a drizzle of white chocolate on top for a festive finish.
4. Rich & Decadent Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and butter gives these bars a rich, caramelized flavor, while the chocolate chips create melty pockets of indulgence throughout. The addition of M&M’s adds an extra touch of sweetness and a pop of color that is both fun and festive.

Tips for Making the Best Christmas Cookie Bars

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in dense bars. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This will help incorporate air into the dough, creating a lighter, fluffier bar.
• Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper: Lining the baking dish with parchment paper will make it easier to lift the cookie bars out once they are baked. This also helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into them. Cutting them too soon may result in a gooey mess, as the chocolate chips need time to set.

Variations You Can Try

• Peanut Butter Christmas Cookie Bars: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive guests. Just be sure to check your baking powder and soda are gluten-free as well.
• Vegan Version: To make these cookie bars vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

Perfect Pairings

These Christmas Cookie Bars are great on their own, but they pair wonderfully with other holiday treats and drinks. Consider serving them with:

• A cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream and marshmallows
• A glass of chilled eggnog
• A warm cup of coffee or tea, especially spiced chai or peppermint tea
• Other classic Christmas cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies

Why These Are Ideal for the Holidays

Not only are these bars festive and delicious, but they are also incredibly practical for busy holiday bakers. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a holiday dinner or a treat to bring to a friend’s party, these Christmas Cookie Bars are sure to impress. Their vibrant colors and mouth-watering aroma will fill your kitchen with the spirit of the season, making them a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.

Tips and Variations

1. Switch Up the Mix-ins: While this recipe calls for chocolate chips and mini M&M’s, you can easily swap or add other mix-ins based on your preferences. Try adding white chocolate chips, crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist, or chopped dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the dough. For a nuttier flavor, swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds.
2. For a Chewy Texture: To get a chewier texture in your cookie bars, consider slightly underbaking them. Bake for around 20-25 minutes, checking for a soft center that will firm up as the bars cool. This gives a wonderfully gooey texture that’s perfect for anyone who loves a chewy cookie!
3. Make It Gluten-Free: If you or someone you’re baking for is gluten intolerant, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. This simple swap allows you to keep the recipe gluten-free while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
4. Add Holiday Spice: For an extra layer of holiday flavor, you can add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. About 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon will give the cookie bars a warm, spiced taste that enhances their holiday charm.
5. Decorative Topping: To make these cookie bars even more festive, top them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking. These simple decorations will elevate the visual appeal and make them perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving.

Serving Suggestions

• With Hot Drinks: These cookie bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a nice warm cup of tea. The rich, sweet flavor of the bars complements the warmth of your favorite holiday beverage.
• For Parties: Serve them alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, or a classic fruitcake. A holiday dessert platter with these cookie bars will surely impress your guests.
• As a Gift: Wrapped in festive cellophane or placed in a holiday tin, these cookie bars make for a delightful homemade gift. You can easily make a larger batch and share them with friends and family, spreading holiday cheer.

Storing and Freezing

• Storing: These cookie bars store well at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: If you want to make them ahead of time or have leftovers, these cookie bars freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to soften them up.

Nutritional Information

These Christmas cookie bars are a sweet indulgence, with each serving containing approximately 250 calories. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar or calories, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of chocolate chips. While these bars are rich in flavor and offer a delicious treat, they’re best enjoyed in moderation as part of your holiday celebrations.