Easy Christmas Cookie Bars: Sweet and Colorful Holiday Treats
The Holidays means it’s also time for Holiday Parties! And Christmas Cookie Bars are a super easy but also colorful and festive option to make everyone in the office or family or neighborhood thrilled!
They’re the perfect festive dessert for this season. These treats are loved by both kids and adults, needing just 35 minutes to make and only a few ingredients.
They have a chewy texture, colorful M&Ms, and festive sprinkles, but they’re also super easy to customize and adapt to your own sweet tooth.
These cookie bars are great for cookie exchanges or sharing with family. They’re more than treats; they’re a way to celebrate being together — especially if you get kids or friends involved with the simple baking process!
Ingredients for Delicious Christmas Cookie Bars
Making the perfect Christmas cookie bars starts with the right ingredients. These baking essentials come together to create delightful festive desserts. Knowing the key components is crucial for amazing results in your baking.
Essential Ingredients
The base of any great Christmas cookie bar recipe includes common and festive flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the required ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter for richness
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar for chewiness
- ½ cup of granulated sugar for sweetness
- 2 large eggs to bind the mixture
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour as the base
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda for leavening
- ½ teaspoon of salt to balance sweetness
- 1 cup of red and green M&Ms for a festive touch
- ½ cup of white chocolate chips, adding delightful flavors
Variations to Try
Trying different cookie bar variations can make simple treats unique. Here are some creative ideas:
- Substituting M&Ms with different varieties, such as peanut or almond
- Replacing white chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate for richer taste
- Incorporating flavors like cinnamon or peppermint extract for aromatic hints
- Adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Top with themed sprinkles to enhance your festive presentation
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Christmas Cookie Bars
Baking Christmas cookie bars is a fun activity that adds joy to your holiday celebrations. By following the baking instructions carefully, you’ll get a delicious treat. Let’s go through the baking steps to make your cookie bar recipe.
Preparation and Mixing
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, and ⅓ cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Then, add 1 large room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, avoiding overmixing.
Finally, fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of red and green M&Ms. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.
Baking Process
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press it down to make an even surface. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top and press them lightly into the dough for a festive look.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Use a toothpick to check if the center is clean. If it is, your bake is perfect.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This step is key for clean edges. You’ll get about 24 servings from this recipe. Here’s a quick overview of important baking times and details:
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 24 |
| Calories per Serving | 271 kcal |
Creative Variations for Your Christmas Cookie Bars
Make your holiday baking special with creative twists on Christmas cookie bars. Adding your own touches keeps the holiday spirit alive. It also lets you explore new flavors and textures. Here are some fun ideas to wow your friends and family.
Using Red and Green M&Ms
Adding red and green M&Ms to your cookie bars makes them festive. This simple step adds color and a chocolatey crunch. You can mix them into the dough or sprinkle them on top for a pop of color.
For an extra special touch, mix in other holiday candies. This creates a colorful dessert that’s perfect for holiday parties.
Experimenting with Different Doughs
Try different doughs for unique cookie bars. Use chocolate chip or sugar cookie dough instead of the usual. Chocolate cookie dough adds a rich, brownie-like texture that’s perfect with festive mix-ins.
Sugar cookie dough, on the other hand, offers a classic sweetness. It’s a great base for holiday flavors. With a little creativity, you can make cookie bars that fit any holiday theme or taste.
| Variation Type | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Red and Green M&Ms | Festive candy mixed into dough and for topping | Adds color and texture, enhances sweetness |
| Chocolate Cookie Dough | Rich, brownie-like base | Pairs well with festive mix-ins, offers unique texture |
| Sugar Cookie Dough | Classic, sweet base versatile for flavors | Great for personalizing with flavors and toppings |
Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars
To get the best results, pay close attention to detail. This is especially true when picking the right baking pans and storing your treats. These tips will help make your baking better and keep your cookie bars fresh and tasty.
Choosing the Right Baking Pan
Choosing the right pan is key for a perfect bake. A 9×13-inch metal pan is a great choice because it heats evenly. This ensures your cookie bars bake consistently.
To make them easier to remove and prevent sticking, line the pan with parchment paper. If you like crispy edges, use a dark-coated pan. Just remember, dark pans bake faster, so check them a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.
How to Store Your Cookie Bars
Keeping your cookie bars fresh is important for enjoying them longer. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them fresh.
To store them longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This way, they can be frozen for up to three months. Freezing keeps the flavors good and prevents freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for a warm treat.
Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Treats
Creating a memorable holiday experience is more than just delicious Christmas Cookie Bars. Thoughtful pairings and presentation can make your festive food stand out. Try these holiday drink suggestions and presentation ideas to complement your cookie bars perfectly.
Pairing with Drinks
Pairing your cookie bars with comforting drinks can enhance the experience. Hot cocoa with whipped cream or spiced cider creates a cozy vibe. For a festive twist, try mint-flavored milk or chocolate milk for kids.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the bars adds a delightful contrast. These drink suggestions cater to different tastes while keeping the festive spirit alive.
Presentation Ideas
Captivating presentation is key to impressing guests. Arrange sliced cookie bars on a vibrant platter with seasonal decorations. Try stacking cookie bars in a whimsical way or on a tiered stand.
Dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for an extra touch. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or seasonal berries for visual appeal and flavor enhancement. These ideas will leave a lasting impression on your guests, making your gathering special.
| Drink Pairing | Flavor Profile | Perfect Complement |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Cocoa | Rich and Creamy | Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars |
| Spiced Cider | Warm and Spicy | Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Bars |
| Mint Milk | Refreshing and Sweet | Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Bars |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | Cool and Creamy | Oatmeal Cookie Bars |
Each pairing and presentation choice enhances the overall experience. Your holiday gatherings will be filled with joy and deliciousness. Explore recipes with seasonal ingredients and exciting flavors to delight your guests.
For more festive recipes, check out these creative pumpkin desserts to elevate your holiday menu: pumpkin dessert recipes.
Storing and Freezing Christmas Cookie Bars for Later
Storing and freezing your Christmas cookie bars right is key to keeping them tasty and fresh. Whether you’re saving for later or prepping for meals, following the right steps is important. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy these treats for weeks or even months.
How to Safely Freeze Your Cookie Bars
First, let your cookie bars cool down completely after baking. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This keeps them moist and prevents freezer burn. Make sure to label and date the packages so you can find them easily when you need a sweet treat.
Thawing Tips for Best Taste
When you’re ready to thaw your cookies, take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This slow thaw keeps their texture and taste perfect. If you want them warm, microwave them in short bursts (about 10-15 seconds) until they’re just warm. Serving them with your favorite hot drink can make them even more special.
Join the Holiday Baking Tradition with Christmas Cookie Bars
Baking Christmas cookie bars is a fun way to celebrate the holiday season. These treats add flavor to gatherings and help families and friends bond. They create memories that last a lifetime. As families have their own recipes that are passed down through generations inspire new tastes and preferences.
Adding unique flavors and personal touches can make Christmas recipes stand out. Whether it’s using red and green M&Ms or mixing classic and modern ingredients, each bar shows off the baker’s heritage. Baking together with loved ones brings creativity and teamwork, making it a special part of holiday celebrations. Now get baking!
