Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for the perfect holiday treat that’s both fun and foolproof, I’m so excited to share this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe with you. It’s basically a sugar cookie’s festive cousin—easy to make, packed with colorful M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles, and absolutely perfect for sharing at holiday parties or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try these, you’re going to want to make them every December!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe uses a blend of familiar pantry staples and festive add-ins that come together perfectly. I always recommend grabbing quality chocolate chips and fresh vanilla extract for that little extra oomph that transforms simple bars into holiday magic.

• Sugar cookie mix: A time-saver that still creates that classic buttery cookie flavor we all love.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, making the bars chewy instead of dry.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to cream perfectly, it’s key for tender, rich cookie bars.
• Egg: Binds everything together for structure while keeping it soft.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor and adds warmth, never skip this!
• M&Ms (red and green): Brings festive color and a little crunch in each bite.
• White chocolate chips: Their sweetness contrasts delightfully with the semi-sweet chips.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Balanced chocolate flavor that pairs well with the other sweets.
• Holiday sprinkles: Adds that extra festive sparkle and texture.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe can be easily customized. Whether you want it more chocolatey, add nuts for crunch, or dial back the sweetness, there’s a way to make it your own.

• Double down on chocolate: I sometimes add chopped dark chocolate chunks for an extra rich bite—it’s heavenly!
• Nutty upgrade: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled in give a wonderful crunch and festive flavor.
• Diet-friendly swap: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix for those who need it—just keep an eye on baking time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the edges—it makes lifting the whole batch out a breeze once baked. This simple step saves you from any sticky situations later.

Step 2: Mix Your Dough

In a large bowl, stir together the sugar cookie mix and brown sugar until nicely blended. Then, add your softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms—I sometimes use a sturdy wooden spoon or my hands for better control. If the dough feels too dry, a splash of milk helps, but usually, it comes together perfectly.

Step 3: Fold in the Festive Mix-Ins

Reserve about 2 tablespoons each of M&Ms and white and semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus one tablespoon of sprinkles to sprinkle on top later. Fold the remaining M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles gently into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed for that perfect festive bite in every bar.

Step 4: Press and Top

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan—don’t press too hard, or the bars can get dense. I like to use the back of a spoon or my fingers dipped in flour to smooth the surface. Then, sprinkle the reserved candies and sprinkles on top; it adds such a cheerful look and a nice textural contrast.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The center might look a little soft but it will firm up while cooling. This waiting part is hard — I get it — but letting the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing really helps them hold their shape.

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of holiday-themed sugar crystals right before serving—it adds a snowy, festive touch that looks stunning on the table.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a warming cup of spiced hot cocoa or your favorite holiday coffee blend. They also work wonderfully alongside a simple plate of fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I like to stack the bars in small boxes layered with festive tissue paper. Or arrange them on a pretty platter with mini candy canes woven between for extra charm at any holiday party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. I usually place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together, which works like a charm.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Individually wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them inside an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months—perfect if you want to prep your holiday treats ahead of time.

Reheating

To enjoy thawed bars warm, I pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. That little heat revives the chocolate and makes the bars taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite holiday staples because it brings the best of festive flavors, gorgeous colors, and easy prep all in one dish. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a party, or simply indulging with family, I promise these bars will steal the show. Give it a try and watch smiles light up around your kitchen table—there’s just something special about homemade treats that bring everyone together. Happy baking!

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