Name: Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (400 grams) packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 cups (248 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup Christmas M&Ms or your favorite colors; 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies recommended)

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when classic christmas cookie bars emerge from warm ovens, promising delightful moments of joy.

Crisp edges and soft centers create perfect textures that spark childhood nostalgia.

Butter and sugar blend into a magical canvas waiting for festive decorations.

Delicate hints of vanilla and cinnamon weave through each tender square.

Memories of holiday gatherings spark excitement with every bite you take.

Colorful sprinkles and rich chocolate chips add playful bursts of happiness.

Come bake these irresistible treats that will become your new seasonal tradition.

Base Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the cookie bars.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the bars.
Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and create structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Creates the base structure of the cookie bars.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light.
Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors.

Festive Mix-Ins:

M&Ms, Sprinkles: Add color, crunch, and holiday cheer to the cookie bars.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch metal pan and dress it up with aluminum foil, then give it a light spray of non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cookie bar removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and whip together butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks crumbly and delightful. Work those ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and looking irresistible.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Crack in the eggs and pour in vanilla extract. Mix everything until the batter becomes smooth and silky, creating a perfect foundation for your festive treats.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in salt, baking powder, and flour. Gently stir until the ingredients are just combined – don’t overmix! You want a tender, delicate texture.

Step 5: Decorate with Colorful Surprises

Fold in your festive mix-ins:

Colorful M&Ms
Cheerful sprinkles

Set aside a small handful to decorate the top of your bars.

Step 6: Spread and Decorate

Use greased hands to spread the dough evenly across the prepared pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms and sprinkles on top for a magical, festive look.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that looks slightly soft and gooey.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely. This patience ensures perfect cutting and prevents crumbly edges. Slice into delightful squares and enjoy your Christmas cookie bars!

Prevent Sticking Disaster: Line your baking pan with foil and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and clean cutting of cookie bars.
Master Smooth Mixing: Use a hand or stand mixer to blend butter and brown sugar until crumbly, creating a perfect base texture for your festive treats.
Reserve Topping Trick: Set aside a small portion of M&Ms and sprinkles to sprinkle on top before baking, giving your cookie bars a beautiful, festive appearance.
Bake for Soft Perfection: Watch for golden edges and a slightly underdone center to achieve that irresistibly soft and chewy cookie bar texture.
Cooling is Key: Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts and optimal texture that holds together beautifully.

Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Layer bars between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keep bars at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Ensure the area is cool and dry to maintain freshness.
Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly soft and warm.

Pair with Creamy Eggnog: Classic holiday drink that complements the sweet, festive cookie bars with its rich, velvety texture and warm spices.
Serve Alongside Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Delightful winter beverage that echoes the cookie's colorful M&Ms and adds a cool, minty twist to the dessert experience.
Match with Vanilla Bean Latte: Smooth coffee drink that balances the sweetness of the cookie bars and provides a warm, comforting contrast to the festive treat.
Enjoy with Cinnamon Spiced Chai: Aromatic tea that highlights the cookie's buttery base and adds a cozy, warming layer to the holiday dessert.

Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and festive flavor for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate candies to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie bars.
Low-Sugar Festive Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and choose sugar-free sprinkles to make a diabetic-friendly dessert.
Nut-Free Celebration Bars: Omit any potential nut-containing ingredients, verify candy and sprinkle ingredients are nut-free, perfect for school parties or those with nut allergies.

FAQs

What are the key ingredients in these Christmas Cookie Bars?

The key ingredients include butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, M&Ms, and festive sprinkles that give the bars a holiday touch.

Are these cookie bars good for holiday parties?

Absolutely! They’re quick to make, colorful, and perfect for sharing at potlucks, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat during Christmas celebrations.

Can I substitute the M&Ms with another candy?

Yes, you can use holiday-themed chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or other colorful candies that match the festive spirit of the recipe.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly underdone center. The bars will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.

Effortless Holiday Cheer: Whip up these festive bars with minimal prep and basic baking skills, perfect for home bakers of all levels.
Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Grab colorful M&Ms and sprinkles to create a delightful dessert that will wow family and friends at holiday gatherings.
Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Involve children in mixing, spreading dough, and decorating these fun and tasty cookie bars that spark joy and create memories.
Simple Seasonal Treat: Transform ordinary ingredients into a spectacular dessert that captures the magic of Christmas with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.