Christmas cookie bars are the ultimate festive treat for the holiday season! These delightful squares combine all the classic flavors and textures of Christmas cookies into one easy-to-make dessert. If you’re looking for the best Christmas cookie bars recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Packed with gooey caramels, crunchy pretzels, melty chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering or cookie exchange.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and just 30 minutes of prep and bake time, these bars are perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the mix-ins to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares for easy serving at parties or package as festive gifts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and store for stress-free holiday entertaining.
Ingredients for the Best Christmas Cookie Bars
For the Base:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Mix-ins (2 cups total):
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/2 cup broken pretzel pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped caramels
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
How to Make the Best Christmas Cookie Bars
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Fold in the Mix-ins
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, pretzel pieces, and chopped caramels, reserving a small handful for topping.
5. Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the reserved mix-ins and holiday sprinkles on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
6. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars
- Don’t Overbake: The bars will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.
- Customize Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out any of the mix-ins for your favorite holiday treats or nuts.
- Even Distribution: Press some of the mix-ins into the top of the dough before baking for a festive appearance.
- Easy Removal: Use parchment paper with overhang for easy lifting and cutting of the bars.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Store the best Christmas cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations on Christmas Cookie Bars
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries.
- Peppermint Bark: Use crushed candy canes instead of pretzels for a minty twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- S’mores Style: Top with mini marshmallows for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to create the best gluten-free Christmas cookie bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown and the center should be set but still slightly soft to the touch. This ensures you have the best texture for your Christmas cookie bars.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed. This is perfect for when you need a larger batch of the best Christmas cookie bars.
The Perfect Holiday Treat
These Christmas cookie bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of holiday flavors and textures. The combination of chewy cookie base, crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and festive M&M’s creates a symphony of tastes that embody the spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at holiday treats for the first time, this recipe is designed to give you the best results with minimal effort.
Sharing the Joy
One of the best things about these Christmas cookie bars is how easily they can be shared. Cut them into small squares for a cookie exchange, package them in festive tins as gifts for neighbors and coworkers, or serve them on a beautiful platter at your holiday party. Their portable nature makes them ideal for potlucks and family gatherings, ensuring you always have the best treat to contribute.
A New Holiday Tradition
Creating the best Christmas cookie bars can become a cherished holiday tradition in your home. Get the whole family involved in mixing, sprinkling, and decorating. The aroma of these bars baking will fill your home with the scent of Christmas, creating lasting memories and a treat everyone looks forward to year after year.
Conclusion
The best Christmas cookie bars are more than just a recipe; they’re a gateway to holiday joy and togetherness. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing, these festive treats encapsulate everything we love about the holiday season. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or just to enjoy with family, these Christmas cookie bars are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday traditions. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some Christmas magic in your kitchen!
