Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: Festive and Easy to Make

If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies holiday cheer, look no further than these Christmas Cookie Bars. Picture soft, chewy blondies bursting with festive red and green M&Ms and sprinkles—perfect for sharing or savoring with your family. These bars are easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to become a holiday favorite!

Get quick, easy, and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing here.

Add sparkle to your tree with these shatterproof red & white ornaments – shop now!

Christmas Ball

Buy Now →

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Bars

Simple and Quick: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
Festively Delicious: M&Ms and sprinkles make them perfect for Christmas (or any occasion with a color swap!).
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead of time and store for up to a month.
Perfect for Gifting: A delightful treat to share with family and friends during the holiday season.

Ingredients

½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
1 cup Christmas M&Ms (or your favorite colors)
½ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies work best)

Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch metal baking pan (do not use glass)
Stand or hand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Foil and non-stick spray

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch metal pan with foil and spray generously with cooking spray.
Beat butter and brown sugar together until crumbly. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth.
Stir in salt, baking powder, and flour until just combined.
Gently fold in M&Ms and sprinkles. Reserve a small handful for topping.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use greased hands to smooth the surface. Sprinkle reserved M&Ms and sprinkles on top.
Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden. The center may look slightly underdone but will set as it cools.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars

Use metal pans, as they distribute heat evenly. Avoid glass pans to prevent uneven baking.
Measure flour and sugar accurately to ensure the perfect texture.
Err on the side of underbaking for soft, chewy bars.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.

What to Serve with Christmas Cookie Bars

Pair these delightful bars with a warm mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They’re also fantastic alongside other holiday treats like The Best Deviled Eggs or Crispy Oven-Baked Oysters.

Substitutions and Variations

Use any color M&Ms and sprinkles to match different holidays or occasions.
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch.
Try mixing in crushed peppermint for a festive twist!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Stick to real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the results.

Why is the center of my bars gooey?
The bars should be slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them. They’ll continue to cook as they cool.

Can I ship these as gifts?
Absolutely! These bars hold up well during shipping if stored in an airtight container.

What type of sprinkles should I use?
Stick with jimmies (the long rod-like sprinkles) as they hold their shape better during baking.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 bar)
Calories: 205
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 66mg
Sugar: 26g

Try More Delicious Holiday Recipes

The Easiest Peanut Clusters
The Best Deviled Eggs
Crispy Oven-Baked Oysters

Share Your Creations

Did you try these Christmas Cookie Bars? Share your photos on Pinterest, and don’t forget to leave a review. I’d love to hear how they turned out!

Make this holiday season sweeter, one cookie bar at a time!

Print