Christmas Cookie Bars 🎄

The holidays are the perfect time to bake something festive, and these Christmas Cookie Bars are as merry as it gets! With their chewy texture, bursts of red, green, and white candies, and pockets of melty chocolate, these bars are a guaranteed hit at holiday parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the season!

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Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars

These cookie bars combine the classic flavors of holiday cookies in an easy-to-make, no-fuss bar form. Perfect for sharing or gifting, they feature festive M&Ms and chocolate chips for a treat that’s equal parts beautiful and delicious. The chewy texture and buttery flavor make these bars irresistible to kids and adults alike.

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Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
• 1 cup (170g) festive holiday M&Ms
• 1/2 cup (85g) white chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
   • Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
3. Add Mix-Ins:
   • Fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and white chocolate chips (if using), reserving a few for the top.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms and chocolate chips on top for decoration.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (do not overbake).
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

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Tips for the Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars

• Don’t Overbake: For soft, chewy bars, keep an eye on the baking time and pull them out when the edges are lightly golden.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Swap M&Ms for other holiday candies, add nuts for crunch, or drizzle melted white chocolate on top for extra flair.
• Store Properly: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

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Why These Bars Are a Holiday Must-Have

These Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate combination of holiday cheer and homemade goodness. Their festive appearance makes them a showstopper on dessert tables, and the buttery, chocolatey flavor ensures they’ll disappear quickly. Whether you’re baking for a party or gifting to loved ones, these bars are a sweet way to spread holiday joy.

Did you try these cookie bars? Let me know in the comments if they became a new holiday tradition, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!