Irresistible Christmas Cookie Bars in Just 25 Minutes

Oh, Christmas baking season – my absolute favorite time in the kitchen! I swear, nothing gets me more excited than pulling out my favorite mixing bowls and filling the house with those warm, sugary smells. These Christmas cookie bars have been my go-to holiday treat since my kids were little – they’re ridiculously easy to make, and everyone goes wild for them. Picture this: buttery cookie dough loaded with melty chocolate chips and festive M&Ms, all baked into perfect little squares that practically beg to be shared at cookie exchanges or left out for Santa. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your holiday tradition too!

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Bars

Listen, I know you’ve got a million things to do during the holidays – that’s exactly why these cookie bars are perfect! Here’s what makes them so special:

• Super easy – Just mix, spread, and bake. No rolling dough or cutting shapes like those fussy sugar cookies!
• Festive as can be – Those red and green M&Ms make every bite feel like Christmas morning.
• Crowd-pleaser – Kids go crazy for them, and adults secretly sneak seconds when no one’s looking.
• Time-saver – One batch makes 24 bars, so you’re done baking in a flash (more time for eggnog!).

Honestly, these might just become your new holiday MVP. They’ve certainly saved my bacon when unexpected guests drop by!

Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars

Okay, let’s gather up our festive baking squad! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these magical Christmas cookie bars:

• 1 cup butter, softened – And I mean properly softened! Leave it out for about an hour until your finger leaves a gentle dent (no microwaving shortcuts – trust me on this).
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Just your basic white sugar works perfectly here.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Use that spoon to really press it in the measuring cup – we want all that molasses goodness!
• 2 large eggs – Room temperature is key for smooth mixing (I just set mine out with the butter).
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – The real stuff, please! None of that imitation nonsense.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Fluff it up in the bag first, then spoon into your measuring cup.
• 1 tsp baking soda – Make sure it’s fresh so your bars rise properly.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Just a pinch to balance all that sweetness.
• 1 cup chocolate chips – Semi-sweet is my favorite, but milk chocolate works too if that’s your jam.
• 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms – The holiday colors make all the difference! Plain ones work in a pinch though.

See? Nothing too fancy, just good old-fashioned baking ingredients that come together to make pure holiday magic!

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars

Alright, let’s get baking! These Christmas cookie bars come together so easily – even my 8-year-old can help (though she mostly just sneaks M&Ms). Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Step 1: Prep the Dough

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13-inch pan. I like to use butter for extra flavor, but cooking spray works in a pinch.

Now grab your mixer (or strong arms and a wooden spoon) and cream together the softened butter and both sugars. This is where the magic starts! Beat them for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy and pale – it should look like light brown clouds. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, followed by that glorious vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and silky at this point.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Here’s my secret: I always sift them first to avoid any sneaky lumps! Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined – overmixing makes tough bars, and nobody wants that.

Now the fun part – fold in those chocolate chips and holiday M&Ms. The dough will be thick and studded with colorful goodness. Use a spatula to spread it evenly in your prepared pan – I like to wet my fingers slightly to press it into the corners without sticking.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop that pan in the oven and set your timer for 25 minutes. The smell will drive you crazy! At the 25-minute mark, check for golden brown edges – the center might still look slightly soft, but that’s perfect. If needed, bake 2-3 minutes more, but don’t overdo it.

Here’s the hardest part – letting them cool completely before cutting! I know it’s tempting, but warm bars crumble easily. Once cooled, slice into squares and watch them disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”

Tips for the Best Christmas Cookie Bars

After making these Christmas cookie bars more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for perfect results every time:

• Patience pays off – Let those bars cool completely before cutting! I know it’s hard, but warm bars crumble into sad little pieces.
• Room temp is key – Cold eggs and butter don’t cream properly. I leave mine out for at least an hour before baking.
• Watch the clock – Set a timer for 25 minutes and check. Overbaking makes dry bars – we want slightly soft centers!
• Mix-ins matter – Toss chocolate chips in a bit of flour first to prevent sinking to the bottom.

Follow these simple tips, and your cookie bars will be the star of every holiday gathering!

Variations for Christmas Cookie Bars

Want to mix things up? Here are my favorite ways to put a fun twist on these Christmas cookie bars:

• Peppermint party – Swap half the chocolate chips for crushed candy canes (just wait until they’re cooled to sprinkle on top so they stay crunchy!)
• Fruity fun – Try dried cranberries or cherries instead of M&Ms for a tart contrast to the sweet dough
• White chocolate wonder – Use white chocolate chips and top with red and green sprinkles before baking for extra holiday sparkle

The best part? You can make a few different batches to please every taste at your holiday party!

Serving and Storing Christmas Cookie Bars

Now that you’ve baked these beauties, let’s talk about keeping them fresh! I always store my Christmas cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature – they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week (if they last that long!). For that just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds. Want to get ahead? These freeze amazingly well for up to 3 months – just wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Pro tip: Layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together!

Christmas Cookie Bars FAQ

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about these Christmas cookie bars:

Can I freeze these bars? Absolutely! They freeze like a dream. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when that holiday cookie craving hits.

Can I use different mix-ins? Of course! While I love the classic chocolate chip and M&M combo, feel free to get creative. Just keep total mix-ins to about 1 1/2 cups to maintain the perfect cookie bar texture.

Why are my bars crumbly? Oh honey, you probably cut them too soon! Let them cool completely in the pan – I know it’s torture, but this helps them set up perfectly. If they still crumble, try adding an extra tablespoon of butter next time.

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in these Christmas cookie bars (because let’s be real – we’re all pretending they’re health food anyway!). Each delicious bar contains about 210 calories, with 15g of sugar and 9g of fat. These are just estimates though – your actual counts might vary slightly depending on exact ingredients. But hey, it’s the holidays – calories don’t count when they’re this festive, right?

Share Your Holiday Creations

I’d love to see your Christmas cookie bar masterpieces! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram – nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking adventures. And if you loved this recipe, leave a star rating to help other bakers discover these festive treats too!

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