Get ready to indulge in a festive treat that embodies the holiday spirit! These Christmas Cookie Bars are a delectable combination of sweet, salty, and gooey flavors, featuring chocolate chips, M&Ms, pretzels, caramels, and holiday sprinkles. Perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or as a thoughtful holiday gift, these bars are sure to be the star of your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile Mix-Ins: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors with the flexibility to customize your add-ins.
- Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients, these bars take just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or gifting.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these delicious Christmas Cookie Bars. Full measurements are included in the recipe card below:
Base Ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup, melted for a rich, buttery base.
- Light Brown Sugar: ¾ cup for a soft texture and a hint of molasses.
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup for added sweetness.
- Eggs: 1 whole egg and 1 extra yolk for richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for that classic holiday flavor.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: To help the bars rise and stay soft.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon to balance the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for structure (add up to ¼ cup more if needed).
Mix-Ins (2 cups total):
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: ½ cup for a classic chocolatey touch.
- Red & Green M&M’s: ½ cup for a festive pop of color.
- Pretzels: ½ cup, broken into small pieces for a salty crunch.
- Chewy Caramels: ½ cup, chopped into small pieces for gooey pockets of caramel.
- Holiday Sprinkles: 2 tablespoons for decoration.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars
Follow these easy steps to create the ultimate holiday treat:
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 for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramels
Chop each caramel into smaller pieces (about 8 per caramel) so they melt nicely into the bars.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, melt ¾ cup of butter. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to prevent a greasy texture.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Combine the melted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth. Add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour to the wet mixture. Stir until no streaks of flour remain. If the dough feels too runny, let it sit for a few minutes or add up to ¼ cup more flour.
Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, pretzel pieces, caramel pieces, and sprinkles. Reserve a few for pressing on top for a decorative finish.
Step 7: Press into Pan
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top. Add any reserved mix-ins for decoration.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cut into squares or bite-sized pieces as desired.
Tips for Success
- Cool Before Slicing: Ensure the bars are fully cooled before cutting for clean slices.
- Adjust Flour: If the dough feels too runny, add an extra ¼ cup flour.
- Customize Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap in your favorite chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookie bars as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or eggnog. They also make excellent edible gifts when wrapped individually in festive packaging.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Swap semi-sweet chocolate for milk, dark, or white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
2. How do I avoid a greasy texture?
Ensure the butter is slightly cooled before mixing with the sugars to prevent greasiness.
3. How do I avoid overbaking?
Bake until the edges are golden and the center is set. The bars will firm up as they cool.
4. Can I add nuts?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans are a great addition for extra crunch.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert, combining all the festive flavors you love in one easy-to-make recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party, participating in a cookie exchange, or gifting treats to loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
Enjoy baking and sharing these festive treats with your friends and family. Happy holidays!
