Christmas Cookie Bars
Baking during the holiday season often conjures up images of ornate cookies and intricate desserts. But what if I told you there’s a simple yet scrumptious alternative that captures all the joy of holiday baking in one easy-to-make treat? Enter Christmas Cookie Bars! These delightful bars are soft, chewy, and generously studded with festive colors, perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy family night.
Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie bar that melts in your mouth, filled with sweet M&Ms and a sprinkle of festive cheer. In no time, about 30 minutes plus cooling, you can create a dessert that will leave your loved ones clamoring for seconds. Not only are these Christmas Cookie Bars delicious, but they’re also adaptable for various dietary needs, making them a versatile addition to your holiday spread.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and chewy cookie bars studded with festive M&M’s, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup holiday M&Ms
- 1 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in holiday M&Ms and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Cut into squares and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For dairy-free, substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
What Are Christmas Cookie Bars?
Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, blending the ease of bar baking with the beloved flavors of holiday cookies. Unlike typical cookies that require individual shaping and baking time, cookie bars are baked in a single pan and cut into squares, resulting in a quicker and less labor-intensive treat!
These versatile bars are perfect for weeknight desserts, meal prepping, or holiday celebrations. They can be served warm or at room temperature, making them an excellent option for potlucks and cookie exchanges.
In terms of nutrition, the ingredients used in these cookie bars provide a comforting blend of fats, sugars, and carbohydrates, giving you that perfect sweet taste while also keeping you satisfied.
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
For the best Christmas Cookie Bars, quality ingredients matter! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup holiday M&Ms
- 1 cup sprinkles
Here’s why these ingredients are significant:
- Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture. If you’re in a pinch, use margarine or coconut oil.
- Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The combination ensures a perfect sweetness. Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener can be good substitutes.
- Eggs: Offer structure and moisture; for a vegan option, use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg).
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor. Any good-quality vanilla or even almond extract works well.
- All-Purpose Flour: Ensures a good rise and chewiness. Substitute with gluten-free flour blends if needed.
- Baking Powder & Salt: Essential for rise and balancing sweetness.
- Holiday M&Ms & Sprinkles: Bring festive flair. You can substitute with chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
Need quick swaps? Try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, applesauce for egg-free, or a sugar substitute for a low-sugar option.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Christmas Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your pan is sticking occasionally, using parchment paper eliminates that risk completely.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your mixture appears too greasy, ensure that your butter has cooled slightly before mixing in other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Troubleshooting Tip: Avoid overmixing the dough, as this may lead to tough bars. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in the holiday M&Ms and sprinkles using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your mix-ins seem to sink to the bottom, try dusting them lightly with flour before adding.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the edges firm up before the center is set, cover the pan loosely with foil to help it bake evenly.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, then allow to cool completely before removing to a wire rack.
Safety Note: Always use caution when handling hot pans and molten sugar portions.
Pro Tips for Flawless Christmas Cookie Bars
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to swap out M&Ms for your favorite chocolate or nuts.
- Pan Choice: A glass baking dish will offer a slightly different texture than a metal one, experiment to find which you prefer!
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating: Just a few seconds in the microwave will take these bars to melt-in-your-mouth perfection!
Variations & Dietary Swaps
Looking to switch things up? Try these variations on the classic Christmas Cookie Bars:
- Spice It Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spiced flavor, perfect for the holidays.
- Add Fillings: Consider adding a layer of chocolate or caramel sauce for an ultra-decadent treat.
- Topping Twists: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts and marshmallows.
For dietary swaps, you can:
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs, as mentioned, and use vegan chocolate M&Ms.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Christmas Cookie Bars pair beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced apple cider! They’re perfect for cookie platters, office parties, or family gatherings where festive treats are essential.
For a quick add-on, whip up a five-minute cream cheese frosting to drizzle over the cooled bars for a touch of elegance!
Nutrition & Notes
Each serving of Christmas Cookie Bars (1 square) contains approximately 200 calories, 8g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. Be mindful of sugar and sodium content, particularly if you’re using store-bought M&Ms.
As always, consider any allergen concerns when preparing this treat, particularly with eggs and dairy.
Conclusion
In just a short time, you can enjoy the rich, festive flavors of Christmas Cookie Bars—perfect for any occasion this holiday season. They’re quick to make, customizable, and utterly delightful. After you try this winning recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment, share your thoughts, and rate it based on your experience. These Christmas Cookie Bars will undoubtedly become a holiday staple in your home!
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Cookie Bars ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it the next day. Alternatively, baked bars freeze well, making them great for advance holiday planning.
Storage & reheating?
Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for a week. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
Sub for key ingredients?
If you need to substitute, you can use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter, and applesauce can replace eggs for a vegan option.
Scaling up/down?
You can easily double this recipe and use a large baking sheet, or halve the recipe for a smaller batch. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness!