Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe. Seriously, these bars bring all the holiday cheer with every bite—colorful M&Ms, white and dark chocolate chips, and those adorable sprinkles packed into soft, chewy cookie batter. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, it’ll be your go-to for holiday parties, last-minute gifts, or just cozy nights by the fire. Ready to bake up some magic? Let’s dive in!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect festive bar — from the soft texture to the sweet, melty chocolate hits and popping colors. Plus, I’ll share my favorite tips on what to look for when shopping, so you get the best final result.

• Sugar cookie mix: Choosing a quality mix with the right balance of leavening ensures soft, chewy bars, minus the guesswork of from-scratch baking.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and extra moistness to the cookie base.
• Unsalted butter: Real butter gives richness and tenderness – don’t swap this for margarine if you can help it.
• Egg: Binds everything and helps create the perfect structure for soft bars.
• Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, cozy aroma that screams holiday baking.
• Red and green M&Ms: Classic Christmas colors that add fun crunch and chocolate flavor.
• White chocolate chips: Their creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with red and green M&Ms.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide balance with a slightly bitter contrast to the sweeter mix-ins.
• Holiday sprinkles: Pure decoration and fun, but also add a tiny crunch. Choose your favorite festive shapes or colors here.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you’re more of a dark chocolate fan or need to swap things for dietary reasons, these bars are forgiving and open to your creative spin.

• Swap-ins: I’ve swapped M&Ms for chopped candy canes or crushed peppermint candies before — it adds a lovely minty crunch that’s equally festive.
• Nutty addition: Sometimes, I throw in chopped pecans or walnuts for a little earthy texture; it makes the bars feel extra indulgent.
• Gluten-free adjustment: Using a gluten-free sugar cookie mix works perfectly, keeping the texture just as lovely.
• Less sweet version: Reduce the white chocolate chips or sprinkles if you want something less sugary — the semi-sweet chips still keep it balanced.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Everything First

First things first – preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. I like this step because it makes sure nothing sticks, and you can pull the bars out easily once they cool. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help the dough come together smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix with brown sugar until combined. Add your softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract, then stir everything together until you get a soft dough. It should be easy to press into your pan but hold together nicely. If your kitchen is warm, I recommend chilling the dough briefly before pressing it down, so it’s less sticky and easier to handle.

Step 3: Add the Mix-ins

Reserve some M&Ms, white chocolate chips, semi-sweet chips, and sprinkles to sprinkle on top later — around 2 tablespoons each for the candies and one tablespoon for sprinkles usually does the job. Fold the rest into your dough, then press the whole mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Finally, scatter your reserved pieces over the top for that picture-perfect festive finish!

Step 4: Bake & Cool

Bake your Christmas Cookie Bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set but still soft. It’s tempting to poke, but try to resist opening the oven too often—it can cause them to sink. Once out, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing—this prevents them from falling apart and keeps those beautiful bars intact.

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple because the bars already look so festive! A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a snowy effect, which always delights guests. Sometimes, I like adding a few fresh cranberries or rosemary sprigs on the serving plate to amp up the holiday vibe. If you really want to go all out, a drizzle of melted white chocolate can’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

These cookie bars pair fantastically with a warm cup of spiced cider or classic eggnog—perfect for cozy holiday afternoons. For a brunch or dessert buffet, I like to serve them alongside gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or even a creamy hot chocolate bar. The variety keeps your guests happily nibbling all day.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite tricks is cutting the bars into festive shapes—like stars or Christmas trees—using cookie cutters after baking. It’s a fun way to elevate your presentation, especially if you’re gifting them. Wrapping individual bars in clear cello bags tied with ribbon also makes darling holiday party favors or stocking stuffers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature, and they usually stay soft and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. If you live somewhere humid, popping them in the fridge can help extend freshness but just know they’ll firm up and might need a quick warm-up before eating.

Freezing

Freezing these bars works like a charm. I cut them into squares ahead of time, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw a few at room temperature—usually takes an hour or so—and they taste just as fresh as the day I baked them.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth, I pop leftover bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back a lovely softness and helps the chocolate gooeyness shine without drying out the bars.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe has been a total game-changer for my holiday baking because it’s easy, quick, and universally loved. I remember making a batch for a holiday gathering and how everyone kept going back for “just one more” bar — that’s when I knew it was a winner. If you want a recipe that’ll impress family and friends without fussing over complicated dough or rolling out dozens of cookies, I’m telling you, this is it. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite mix-ins, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of holiday happiness!

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