Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these irresistible Christmas Cookie Bars. Perfect for sharing, these bars are packed with festive flavors and are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Why This Recipe Works
- These bars combine the best of both worlds: the chewy texture of cookies and the convenience of bar desserts.
- Packed with festive mix-ins like red and green M&Ms and white chocolate chips, they’re as fun to look at as they are to eat.
- The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations to suit any taste.
- They’re perfect for make-ahead holiday baking, saving you time during the busy season.
- The bars are easy to transport, making them ideal for holiday parties and gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your bars won’t stick and will bake evenly. Tip: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removal even easier.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale in color and smooth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to ensure a uniform texture. Tip: Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Fold in Mix-ins and Bake
Gently fold in the M&Ms and white chocolate chips. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tip: Let the bars cool completely before cutting for neat squares.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, use room temperature ingredients. This ensures everything mixes together smoothly. If you’re short on time, you can soften butter quickly by cutting it into small pieces and letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much flour into your bars. For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out the M&Ms for other festive candies like crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles.
- Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist.
- Stir in a cup of chopped nuts for added crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Simply bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Margarine can sometimes make the bars spread more during baking, resulting in thinner bars. If you do use margarine, choose a stick variety rather than a tub to mimic the consistency of butter.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the bars dry. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool.
Summary
These Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive, delicious, and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their chewy texture, colorful mix-ins, and endless variations, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite.