Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe

There’s something irresistibly festive about sweet, gooey bars bursting with bright, colorful M&Ms—trust me, these Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe are exactly that kind of magic. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights when you just want a sweet treat that feels like a hug. Seriously, once you try these, they’ll become a classic in your festive baking lineup.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in giving you that signature bar texture and festive flair. I like to buy fresh brown sugar and real vanilla extract for the richest flavor, and those Christmas M&Ms? They’re not just decoration—they add crunch and bursts of chocolatey goodness.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the salt perfectly and makes the bars rich and tender.
• Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and that deep caramel flavor you’ll notice front and center.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and help give the bars their chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: For that warm, festive aroma and flavor that feels like a holiday hug.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
• Baking Powder: Gives just the right lift so the bars aren’t flat but still dense and chewy.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure provider so bars hold together beautifully without being tough.
• Christmas M&Ms: The star of the show—colorful, crunchy, and chocolatey little bursts of fun.
• Christmas Sprinkles (Jimmies): They add that cheerful texture contrast and festive look on top!

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I love swapping out the M&Ms for peanut butter ones or adding a handful of chopped nuts if I want a little extra crunch on special occasions.

• Variation: I once tried adding mini marshmallows to give the bars a rocky road vibe, and it was a total crowd-pleaser!
• Dietary Adjustment: For gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend, but just keep an eye on the texture—it may need a touch more binder.
• Seasonal Swap: When it’s not Christmas, I swap the festive sprinkles with rainbow ones or add dried cranberries instead of M&Ms.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some white chocolate chips along with the M&Ms for extra creamy pockets of sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

This might sound simple, but lining a 9x13” metal pan with foil and spraying it well with cooking spray makes all the difference. I’ve learned that glass pans don’t bake these bars properly—they tend to overcook on the edges. Preheat your oven to 350°F and get ready for some messy, delicious fun!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

I usually use a stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works just as well. Beat the butter and brown sugar together until crumbly—that’s the foundation for your bars’ tender, rich texture. Don’t overbeat though; you want it crumbly, not fluffy.

Step 3: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla

Once your base is crumbly, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mixing until smooth is key here. The batter will start to look thick and glossy—that’s your cue that you're on the right track!

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins

Sprinkle in the salt and baking powder first, then the flour. Stir just until combined—overmixing will make the bars tough. Finally, fold in your Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles. The batter will look wet and sticky, but don’t worry; that’s exactly what gives the gooey texture.

Step 5: Spread & Bake

This is where I share a little trick: spray your hands with cooking spray before smoothing the batter in the pan. The batter is sticky, and this helps you get an even layer without the mess. I usually press a few extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top for that picture-perfect festive look. Bake for 22-25 minutes, keeping a close eye the last few minutes so you don’t overbake—these bars finish cooking as they cool.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Once out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan. They’ll firm up nicely without losing any of that gooey charm. I slice into 24 bars, which is perfect for sharing or sneaky midnight snacks!

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple here: a light dusting of powdered sugar adds that snow-kissed look perfect for the holidays. Sometimes I sprinkle a few more Christmas jimmies right before serving for an extra pop of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive mug of spiced cider. If you’re hosting a cookie exchange, I like to add some salted nuts or peppermint bark on the side for a fun flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the bars neatly on a festive platter surrounded by holly and mini ornaments. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with ribbon makes adorable homemade gifts that friends always rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They stay perfectly soft and moist—if you like a bit of crisp on the edges, just pop one in the toaster oven for a couple of minutes.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver for this recipe! I wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven. They taste just as fresh as when you baked them.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-baked taste, I reheat slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat—they melt fast but cool quickly to gooey perfection.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms Recipe holds a special place on my holiday baking table—not just because they’re gorgeous and festive, but because they’re a reliable crowd-pleaser every single year. I hope you give them a try, whether you’re gifting or just treating yourself. It’s like having a little slice of cheerful holiday spirit wrapped in gooey, colorful joy.

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