Name: Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups M&Ms (red, green, brown hues); 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2/3 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 medium egg; 2 1/3 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour); 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch); 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda); 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Festive holiday magic sparkles through these delightful christmas cookie bars that blend nostalgia with sweet comfort.

Memories of childhood celebrations dance across every delectable square.

Warm spices and rich textures invite you to create something special in your kitchen.

Buttery layers promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures seasonal cheer.

Grandma’s classic recipe gets a modern twist with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Baking these treats becomes an effortless way to spread joy and connect with loved ones.

Grab your apron and let the delicious adventure begin!

Craft Holiday Magic: Transform simple ingredients into festive Christmas cookie bars that capture the spirit of the season with colorful M&Ms and rich chocolate chips.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Delight: Prepare these bars with straightforward mixing techniques that require no complex baking skills, making them perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
Family Baking Bonanza: Engage kids and adults alike in a fun, collaborative baking experience that creates sweet memories and delicious treats everyone can enjoy together.
Quick Celebration Treat: Deliver a crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together rapidly, ideal for unexpected gatherings, holiday parties, or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Dry Ingredients Group:

Plain Flour: Provides the primary structure and texture for the Christmas cookie bars.
Bicarbonate of Soda: Helps the cookie bars rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie bars.
Cornflour: Adds softness and helps create a tender crumb.
Cinnamon: Brings a warm, festive spice to the cookie bars.

Wet Ingredients Group:

Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the cookie bars.
Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the caramelization and texture.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.

Decorative and Mix-in Ingredients Group:

Chocolate Chips, M&Ms: Add sweetness, texture, and festive color to the Christmas cookie bars.

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides completely.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:

Flour
Baking soda
Salt
Cornflour
Cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients until they are evenly blended.

Step 3: Create Butter Mixture

Melt the butter in a large mixing bowl.

Add granulated and brown sugars, then whisk energetically for two minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly fluffy. Crack in the egg and pour vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until a thick dough forms.

Gently mix in:

Chocolate chips
M&Ms

Ensure the add-ins are distributed evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan.

Sprinkle additional M&Ms on top for extra color and crunch. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface looks golden and slightly firm.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Cut into 4×4 or 5×5 squares depending on your preferred serving size.

Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich flavor and soft texture.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and create thicker, chewier bars.
Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delicious consistency.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking to enhance the sweet chocolate flavor and create a gourmet touch.
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Gluten-Free Holiday Bars: Replace plain flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free chocolate chips and carefully check M&Ms for gluten content.
Vegan Christmas Cookies: Substitute egg with flax egg or applesauce. Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. Select plant-based milk chocolate M&Ms or skip them entirely.
Low-Sugar Winter Treats: Swap granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile. Use dark chocolate chips for deeper taste and less sugar.
Nutty Christmas Bars: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for extra crunch. Sprinkle toasted almonds on top before baking. Add ground nutmeg for warm, festive flavor enhancement.

Craft a rich, creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows and a dash of cinnamon to complement the cookie bars' sweet and spicy notes.
Brew a warm peppermint mocha coffee that echoes the Christmas spirit and provides a delightful contrast to the rich, chocolatey cookie bars.
Scoop a cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm cookie bars to create a perfect temperature and flavor balance that enhances the dessert's sweetness.
Mix a warm, aromatic chai latte with hints of cardamom and ginger that beautifully harmonize with the cinnamon and chocolate elements in the cookie bars.

Store cooled cookie bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing moisture loss.
Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
Preheat oven to 300°F. Place cookie bars on a baking sheet and warm for 3-5 minutes until slightly crisp on edges. This method restores the original freshly-baked warmth and crispness.

FAQs

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Yes, you can replace M&Ms with other chocolate candies or use different types of chocolate chips. Be mindful that substitutions might slightly alter the final taste and texture of the cookie bars.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids will love helping mix the ingredients and sprinkle M&Ms on top. The recipe is simple enough for children to participate in baking with adult supervision.

How do I know when the cookie bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a dry surface with slightly golden edges. When the top appears set and the edges are lightly browned, the bars are ready. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.

Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.