Christmas Cookie Bars – There’s something, about the warmth and happiness that comes with baking during the holiday season particularly when it involves the creation of Christmas Cookie Bars. These delightful treats, filled with the goodness of sugar, M&Ms, and festive sprinkles are simply perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your holiday festivities. In this post, I’ll be sharing how these cookie bars have become a part of my family’s Christmas traditions.
The first time I made these Christmas Cookie Bars was on a chilly December evening. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of sugar and vanilla creating an atmosphere that was both cozy and festive. My husband, who has always been fond of my baking experiments along with our one who was eager to indulge in anything were the first ones to savor these freshly baked treats. The way their eyes lit up upon taking their bite and their joyous laughter still fills my heart with warmth each time I bake these bars.
What makes this Christmas Cookie Bars truly special?
What makes these Christmas Cookie Bars an absolute must-try holiday delight? Firstly they are incredibly enjoyable for all ages. Are perfect, for gatherings where both children and adults can relish a morsel. Moreover, this recipe offers wonderful customizability. Feel free to swap out the M&Ms and sprinkles with colors or flavors that you prefer; this will add a touch to every batch you make. Furthermore, these bars are perfect, for the holiday season. You can prepare them in advance. Keep them stored ensuring that you have a hassle-free treat ready, for any festive gathering.
What You Need To Make This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, 113g): The foundation of any great cookie bar. I prefer unsalted to control the overall saltiness. It lends a rich, creamy base, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Packed Brown Sugar (2 cups, 400g): The secret to that deep, caramel-like sweetness. It adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor that white sugar just can’t match. It’s like wrapping your taste buds in a cozy, sweet blanket.
Large Eggs (2): The glue that holds our cookie bars together. They add structure and richness, making the texture just right – not too dense, not too fluffy.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A dash of vanilla goes a long way. It’s the unsung hero that enhances all the other flavors. Think of it as the sprinkle of magic in your baking.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch, but oh so crucial. It’s the balance in the sweet symphony, highlighting the buttery, caramel notes without overwhelming them.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Our little leavening agent that ensures our bars rise just enough to be chewy and soft, but not cakey. It’s all about that perfect bite!
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups, 248g): The structure of our cookie bars. It’s the canvas where all our ingredients come together in harmony, resulting in that classic cookie bar texture we all love.
Christmas M&Ms (1 cup): Here’s where the festive spirit comes alive! These colorful candies add a delightful crunch and a burst of chocolate in every bite. Feel free to choose colors that match your holiday decor or mood.
Christmas Sprinkles, preferably jimmies (½ cup): They’re not just for looks; they add a subtle texture and a fun, festive flair. Jimmies work best as they don’t bleed their color into the dough, keeping our bars looking as merry as they taste.
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Steps To Make Christmas Cookie Bars:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your 9×13″ baking pan by lining it with foil and giving it a coat of cooking spray. Begin by combining the butter and brown sugar until it resembles crumbs. Mix in the eggs and vanilla until you achieve a smooth consistency. Next, gently incorporate the salt baking powder, and flour into the mixture. The real excitement begins when you stir in the M&Ms and sprinkles!
Step 2: Spread the dough evenly in your pan. If it feels sticky here’s a tip; lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to easily smooth out the dough. Sprinkle some M&Ms and sprinkles on top for that appearance.
Step 3: Bake, for 22 to 25 minutes keeping an eye out for a golden color. Remember, slightly underbaking them will give you that chewy texture. Once they’re done allow them to cool before cutting them into bars.
Tip:
Make sure that your butter and eggs are, at room temperature before you begin mixing for this recipe. When the butter is at room temperature it combines smoothly and effortlessly with the sugar avoiding any clumps and resulting in a uniform dough texture. Likewise, when the eggs are at room temperature they blend seamlessly into the mixture resulting in a batter that’s consistently mixed. This straightforward step can have an impact, on the texture and overall evenness of your cookie bars making them more tempting!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Sure thing! They actually freeze nicely. Can be stored for up, to a month.
Can I use different colored M&Ms and sprinkles?
Absolutely! You have the freedom to customize them with colors that go well with your chosen holiday theme.
How long do these stay fresh?
If you store them in an airtight container they’ll remain delicious for 4 days.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- ½ c 113 grams unsalted butter
- 2 c 400 grams packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 c 248 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 c Christmas M&Ms or your favorite color
- ½ c Christmas sprinkles use jimmies for best results
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan measuring 9x13 inches, with foil and apply some cooking spray to it.
- In a bowl cream together the butter and brown sugar. After that incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture until it becomes smooth.
- Gradually add the salt, baking powder and flour to the mixture making sure to combine them well.
- Gently stir in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Pour the mixture into the pan. Use greased hands to spread out and even out the dough evenly.
- Place in the oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until you notice slight golden edges. It's best to underbake them for a chewy texture.
- Allow them to cool in the pan before cutting them into bars.
- To keep them fresh store these bars in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for, up to 4 days. Be frozen for longer storage.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
