Christmas Cookie Bars

Celebrate the holidays with these Christmas Cookie Bars, a delightful treat that brings joy to any festive gathering. These bars are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor from colorful M&Ms and creamy white chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing at holiday parties or as gifts, these cookie bars will surely become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious cookie bars without any fuss.
• Festive Flavors: The combination of M&Ms and white chocolate creates a delightful sweetness that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Versatile Treat: These bars are great for any occasion, whether it’s a Christmas party, cookie exchange, or simply a cozy night in.
• Shareable Size: Cut into squares, this recipe yields 24 bars, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in baking these cookie bars; they’ll love mixing in the colorful M&Ms!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking your Christmas Cookie Bars, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch pan ensures even baking and provides ample space for all your delicious cookie bar goodness.
• Mixing Bowls: Using various sizes allows for efficient mixing of both wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Perfectly blends ingredients together to create a smooth batter, which is key to fluffy cookie bars.

Ingredients

Celebrate the holidays with these festive Christmas Cookie Bars, loaded with M&Ms and white chocolate chips. A sweet treat for sharing!

For the Cookie Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup red and green M&Ms
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Add M&Ms and White Chocolate Chips

Fold in:
– ¾ cup of M&Ms
– white chocolate chips

Reserve some M&Ms for topping later.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Top with the reserved M&Ms by pressing them lightly into the dough.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your festive Christmas Cookie Bars!

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars

These delightful Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sweet gift, these bars can be enjoyed in various ways.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookie bars on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation. Add some seasonal decorations like holly or candy canes to enhance the festive look.

Gift Boxes

• Package individual cookie bars in small gift boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbons. They make great homemade gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

Dessert Table

• Include these cookie bars as part of a larger dessert table at your holiday gathering. Pair them with other festive treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint brownies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Turn your Christmas Cookie Bars into delicious ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two bars. A fun twist that guests will love!

Holiday Parties

• Serve the cookie bars at holiday parties alongside drinks like hot cocoa or eggnog. Their rich flavors complement warm beverages perfectly.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station where guests can add extra toppings like sprinkles or chocolate drizzle to their cookie bars. This interactive element adds fun to any event!

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How to Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars

Getting the perfect texture and flavor in your Christmas Cookie Bars is essential. Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer if necessary. Accurate temperatures ensure even baking and prevent burning.
• Cool completely before cutting: Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Cookie Bars

Complement your festive treat with these delightful side dishes that pair well with Christmas Cookie Bars. Each option adds a special touch to your holiday spread.

1. Hot Cocoa: A classic holiday drink that pairs perfectly with sweet treats.
2. Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake: Rich and creamy, this dessert offers a seasonal flavor contrast.
3. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that balances the sweetness of cookie bars.
4. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can enhance flavors and offer savory bites.
5. Mini Pies: Offer bite-sized pies like pecan or apple for variety on your dessert table.
6. Spiced Nuts: These crunchy snacks add a savory component that complements sweet desserts.
7. Eggnog: A traditional holiday beverage that enhances the festive atmosphere.
8. Gingerbread Cookies: These classic cookies bring additional holiday spirit and flavor diversity to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Christmas Cookie Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the parchment paper: Using a greased pan instead of parchment can lead to sticky bars that are hard to remove. Always line your baking pan to ensure easy lifting and cutting.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your bars tough. Mix until just combined for soft, chewy cookie bars.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into warm bars can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
• Using stale ingredients: Old baking soda or flour can ruin your bake. Check expiration dates before starting your recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• item They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Christmas Cookie Bars

• item Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
• item Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• item They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Christmas Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars for about 15-20 seconds on high for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, covered, until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Christmas Cookie Bars.

Can I customize my Christmas Cookie Bars?

You can easily add nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate chips. Customize these cookie bars to fit your taste!

How do I ensure my Christmas Cookie Bars are chewy?

Make sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when they’re slightly underdone, as they will continue cooking while cooling.

What is the best way to serve Christmas Cookie Bars?

These cookie bars are perfect for parties! Cut into squares and serve on a festive platter or wrap individually as gifts.

Can I use other candies besides M&Ms?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any of your favorite candies like chocolate chunks or butterscotch chips for a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings joy during the holiday season. Their versatility allows for various customization options, making them perfect for gift giving or family gatherings. Get creative with mix-ins and toppings to make them uniquely yours!