Name: Christmas Cookie Bars are 5 ultimate easy delicious treats.
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1½ cups holiday M&Ms; ¼ cup holiday sprinkles

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Christmas Cookie Bars are the kind of holiday treat that makes entertaining feel effortless and special. As a passionate home cook who navigates a busy life, I designed these blondies to deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. Melted butter and brown sugar create a rich, chewy base, while festive M&Ms and colorful sprinkles add joy in every bite. Bake once, slice easily, and you’ll have bars ready for gatherings, gifts, or a quick dessert after a long day. This recipe fits the needs of busy moms and professionals who want crowd-pleasing flavor without stealing precious time. Your holiday menu anchored by Christmas Cookie Bars just got easier.

Table of Contents

Christmas Cookie Bars are the kind of festive treat that lightens a busy day. I reach for them when my schedule roars and I need comfort quick. The chewy blondie base and bright M&Ms feel like a tiny celebration in every bite.

These bars pull flavor without extra effort. Melted butter and brown sugar do the heavy lifting, keeping prep simple. They bake in one pan, slice cleanly, then vanish at gatherings or after school chaos.

Hook and Story

Let me tell you a quick moment from my week. I whisked these bars between meetings and still had time for a hug. They cooled fast and everyone asked for the recipe, smiling wide.

Core Appeal

Core appeal lies in balance. Flavor, speed, and flexibility work in harmony. Plus, the pan makes cleanup a breeze.

Benefits at a Glance

When I whip up Christmas Cookie Bars, I get comfort fast. They’re soft and chewy, with festive M&Ms that sparkle on a busy day. The best part: one pan, minutes of prep, and a dessert that pleases kids and guests alike.

Designed for Busy Schedules

I love that these bars bake in one sheet and slice cleanly, saving time. They travel well for potlucks and make-ahead gifts. With simple ingredients, they fit real-life weeknights.

These bars come together in minutes, and I keep the ingredients straightforward for busy days. Exact quantities are listed at the bottom for printing convenience.

Ingredient Overview

1 cup unsalted butter, melted — gives a rich, chewy base.
1 cup brown sugar — adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
½ cup granulated sugar — balances sweetness and helps color.
2 large eggs — bind and set the bars.
2 tsps vanilla extract — brings warmth and aroma.
2½ cups all-purpose flour — provides structure.
1 tsp baking powder — lifts for a soft center.
½ tsp salt — enhances flavor and keeps sweetness in check.
1½ cups holiday M&Ms — festive color and crunch.
¼ cup holiday sprinkles — merry finish.

Optional substitutions: use regular M&Ms or a holiday mix, opt for a gluten-free flour blend if needed, and adjust sugar to taste.

Close-up of cookie bars — Soft and chewy texture

Step 1: Preheat and Line the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Lightly butter the parchment or spray with nonstick spray so bars release cleanly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars with Eggs and Vanilla

In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.

Beat in eggs one by one, then stir in vanilla extract.

This creates a glossy, chewy blondie base perfect for the holiday mix-ins.

Step 3: Stir in Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet batter just until you see a thick mass.

Avoid overmixing; a few flour streaks are okay and keep the bars tender.

Step 4: Fold in M&Ms and Reserve Some for Topping

Gently fold in 1½ cups holiday M&Ms, reserving a handful for topping.

Keep the batter thick and speckled with color for a festive look.

If you see flour pockets, fold a bit more, then stop to prevent toughness.

Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Slice

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan for uniform bars.

Sprinkle remaining M&Ms and holiday sprinkles on top for a holiday finish.

Bake 22–25 minutes, until edges are set and the center stays soft.

Cool completely before slicing into bars for clean, shareable pieces.

Tips for Success

Quick Tips for Perfect Bars

For Christmas Cookie Bars, use room-temperature ingredients for smooth blending.
Let melted butter cool a bit before whisking with sugars.
Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients to stay tender.
Reserve extra M&Ms for topping to brighten the surface.
Line the pan with parchment with overhang for easy lift.
Bake until edges set and centers stay soft; start checking at 22 minutes.

Holiday M&M cookie bars — Easy Christmas baking

Equipment Needed

Essential Tools

Here’s what I grab for Christmas Cookie Bars.

9×13-inch baking pan, lined with parchment (or foil and nonstick spray)
2 large mixing bowls
Whisk, spatula, and measuring spoons/cups
Parchment paper or silicone liner
Cooling rack
Sharp knife or bench scraper for clean slices

Variations

Flavor and Diet Variations

These variations let you tailor Christmas Cookie Bars to different tastes and dietary needs, while keeping the same cozy, chewy base I love.

Peppermint White Chocolate: Swap in 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies for a festive minty bite.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a toasted, crunchy surprise in every bar.
Cocoa Swirl: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey blondie twist without losing the chewy texture.
Cranberry Orange: Mix in 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon orange zest; consider slight sugar reduction if you use tart fruit.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; check your blend’s baking powder compatibility and add a pinch of xanthan gum if needed.
Dairy-Free Friendly: Swap melted dairy-free butter (or coconut oil) for the butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
Crunchy, Salted Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty finish that brightens every bite.
Picky Eater Friendly: For younger crowds, replace M&Ms with mini pretzels and white chocolate chips for a kid-approved flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation and Pairings

I love arranging these bars on a holiday platter with a light dusting of extra sprinkles.
Pair them with hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk for a cozy finish.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a warm-cold contrast that everyone adores.
Wrap bars individually in parchment and tie with ribbon for simple, giftable treats.

Make-Ahead Steps

I keep Christmas Cookie Bars on my make-ahead list. Bake, cool, and wrap; they stay fresh for days. This approach saves time and keeps holiday joy intact.

Bake and cool, then wrap tightly and freeze in a block; label with the date.
Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly for a just-baked feel.
Slice after thawing for clean edges, or chill the bars briefly before slicing.
Freeze the batter in a parchment-lined pan for bake-later convenience.

Gift Packaging and Serve-Worthy Variations

Gift packaging makes Christmas Cookie Bars feel thoughtful. I love tins, ribbons, and a small recipe card. It travels well and spreads holiday cheer.

Wrap bars in parchment, then tuck into a pretty tin or glass jar.
Add a ribbon and a date-tag for a gift-ready finish.
Include a mini spatula or a small recipe card with serving suggestions.
Offer variations like peppermint white chocolate or cranberry orange in the same gift set.

Cookie bars on platter — Perfect holiday treat

FAQ 1: Can I customize the mix-ins for Christmas Cookie Bars?

Yes. Christmas Cookie Bars shine when you customize the mix-ins. I swap M&Ms for regular ones, a holiday mix, or add white chocolate chips; peppermint bits or chopped nuts work too for extra crunch.

Keep total mix-ins around 1.5 cups so bars stay chewy and hold together. Fold gently to avoid overmixing and keep that blondie texture. This keeps the bars crowd-pleasing for holiday dessert tables.

FAQ 2: How should I store leftovers and how long do they keep?

Leftovers store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

For longer, freeze 2–3 months; thaw and slice. Reheat briefly if you want that just-baked vibe.

FAQ 3: Can I bake this as a sheet cake or in a different pan size?

Yes. The batter is forgiving and works in other pans. If you use a larger pan, the layer is thinner and bake time drops; start checking around 18 minutes for a 11×17 sheet.

For a deeper pan, bake 28–34 minutes; edges set and center soft. Every oven varies, so watch for the telltale edge and a warm, melt-in-your-mouth center.

FAQ 4: Are these bars suitable for gifting or for a holiday platter?

Definitely. Christmas Cookie Bars make giftable treats and a pretty holiday platter.

Wrap bars in parchment, tuck into tins or jars, and add a ribbon or recipe card. A peppermint white chocolate variation can add festive variety.

Final Thoughts

Parting Reflections

As I wrap up another holiday baking session, I’m reminded of how Christmas Cookie Bars save time.

They save time without sacrificing warmth.

They’re a one-pan miracle that feeds a crowd and travels to gatherings, school events, or late-night cravings.

The chewy blondie base, M&Ms, and sprinkles feel like party in a bite, even on busy days.

When time is tight, this recipe keeps my dessert game friendly and approachable.

I love how a dozen bars can become gifts or a quick show of love for neighbors.

Bake once, share freely, and savor the season together.

These bars remind me that delicious joy can be simple and kind.

Christmas Cookie Bars are 5 ultimate easy delicious treats.