Christmas Cookie Bars

Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars. This festive treat is perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying at home. Loaded with M&Ms and white chocolate chips, these cookie bars are not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to spread cheer during the season. Their colorful appearance and delicious flavor make them a standout dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookie bars with ease.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares, and you’ve got a beautiful dessert that’s ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of M&Ms and white chocolate provides a delightful sweetness that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
• Versatile Treat: These bars can be customized with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake just before serving for fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essentials. Having the right tools on hand makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking pan: This size ensures even baking for your cookie bars, resulting in soft centers and crispy edges.
• Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate until it’s time to combine them, ensuring optimal texture.
• Whisk: A good whisk will help you blend ingredients smoothly, creating an even batter without lumps.

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

For 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: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 4: Add M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

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

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Before baking, top with the remaining M&Ms by pressing them gently into the surface of the dough.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your cookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares for serving.

Enjoy making these delicious Christmas Cookie Bars! They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends this holiday season.

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars

These delightful Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sweet treat, here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your festive gatherings.

Festive Platter

• Create a colorful platter by arranging your Christmas Cookie Bars alongside other holiday treats like peppermint brownies and gingerbread cookies.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that melts in your mouth.

Holiday Gift Boxes

• Package the bars in decorative boxes to give as gifts. They make a thoughtful and tasty present for friends and family.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pair these bars with mugs of rich hot cocoa. The chocolate flavors complement each other perfectly, making for a cozy treat.

As Party Favors

• Cut the bars into small squares and wrap them individually. They make great take-home treats for guests at your holiday party.

How to Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars

Achieving the best Christmas Cookie Bars is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Do Not Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature, as this affects cooking time.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing; this helps them set properly and prevents crumbling.
• Add Extra Toppings: For added flavor and festivity, sprinkle extra M&Ms or white chocolate chips on top before baking.
• Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week; they can also be frozen for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Cookie Bars

While Christmas Cookie Bars shine on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can elevate your holiday spread. Here are some delightful side dishes to consider:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balance to the sweetness of cookie bars.

2. Cheese Platter
   Offer a selection of cheeses, crackers, and nuts for a savory contrast that pairs well with dessert.

3. Mini Quiches
   These bite-sized savory delights provide variety, making them a perfect addition to your holiday table.

4. Vegetable Tray
   Crisp veggies served with hummus or ranch dip provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie bars.

5. Spiced Nuts
   A bowl of spiced nuts adds a crunchy texture and flavorful kick that complements sweet treats beautifully.

6. Holiday Punch
   Serve a festive punch alongside the cookie bars; its fruity flavors will enhance your dessert experience wonderfully.

7. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
   These add a salty-sweet element that pairs perfectly with cookie bars, offering an enjoyable crunch.

8. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookie bars or serve it on the side for dipping—it’s an irresistible treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas Cookie Bars can be a joy, but some common mistakes can hinder your baking success. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can alter the bars’ texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into warm cookie bars can result in a messy situation. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
• Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield better results. Check your baking soda and flour for freshness before starting.
• Underbaking the bars: Undercooked cookie bars can be gooey and unappetizing. Bake until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: This keeps your Christmas Cookie Bars fresh.
• Lasts for up to 5 days: Enjoy them throughout the week without losing flavor.

Freezing Christmas Cookie Bars

• Wrap individually: For best results, wrap each bar in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months: Perfect for making ahead of time!

Reheating Christmas Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on low power for 10-15 seconds, watching closely not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet on low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes. This method warms them evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my Christmas Cookie Bars?

Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips based on your preference, making these bars even more delightful.

How can I customize my Christmas Cookie Bars?

You can add nuts, dried fruits, or other candies to personalize your bars. Just remember not to exceed the total volume of mix-ins suggested in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup to ensure similar texture.

What should I do if my cookie bars are too crumbly?

If your bars crumble too much, it may be due to under-measured butter or overbaking. Ensure you have enough fat in the mixture and watch baking time closely.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Cookie Bars are not only festive but also versatile, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday treats. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins and share with family and friends! Try this easy recipe today and enjoy the sweet taste of the holidays.