Christmas Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The dark chocolate chips provide a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet M&Ms and sprinkles, while the soft, chewy base holds everything together. Their festive appearance makes them a hit at any holiday event.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 extra-large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup holiday M&Ms
• 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and nutmeg until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

4. Incorporate Mix-ins: Fold in the dark chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, and sprinkles until evenly distributed.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast.
• Spice Twist: Increase the ground nutmeg to ¼ teaspoon for a more pronounced spice flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Are these bars suitable for gifting?

Absolutely. Their festive appearance and delicious flavor make them perfect for holiday gifts.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang on all sides allows for easy removal and prevents sticking.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

While the recipe calls for dark brown sugar and white sugar, you can experiment with light brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste and texture of the bars.

Conclusion

These Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, candy-coated M&Ms, and festive sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift, they are sure to bring joy to any occasion.

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