M&M Christmas Cookie Bars

The holiday season brings with it a magical mix of twinkling lights, heartwarming traditions, and, of course, delicious desserts! Among the countless holiday treats, one stands out for its simplicity, festive look, and incredible taste: M&M Christmas Cookie Bars. These colorful, chewy, buttery cookie bars are packed with red and green M&Ms, making them a perfect centerpiece for holiday dessert tables, cookie exchanges, or even last-minute baking needs.

Unlike traditional cookies that require scooping and rolling, these bars are baked in one pan, cut into squares, and ready to serve—making them a go-to recipe for anyone short on time but still wanting to create something memorable. The result? A soft, chewy cookie with golden edges, melty chocolate, and the crunch of festive M&Ms in every bite.

Not only are they visually stunning, but these bars are also endlessly customizable, so you can adapt them to fit your tastes or event theme. Whether you want to stick with classic red and green for Christmas, mix in additional holiday toppings, or try unique flavor combinations, these cookie bars provide a blank canvas for your holiday baking creativity.

What Are M&M Christmas Cookie Bars?

M&M Christmas Cookie Bars are a holiday-inspired twist on classic cookie bars. Instead of rolling dough into individual cookies, this recipe takes the stress out of baking by pressing all the cookie dough into a single baking pan. Once baked, the large cookie is sliced into neat squares or rectangles, resulting in soft and chewy bars loaded with festive red and green M&Ms.

These bars combine all the flavors of a classic chocolate chip cookie—rich butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and melty chocolate—with the seasonal flair of colorful M&Ms. Each bar has a dense yet soft texture that stays moist for days, making them perfect for make-ahead baking projects or gifting.

This recipe is all about simplicity and fun, yet it produces bakery-quality results. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, M&M Christmas Cookie Bars are foolproof, delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why these cookie bars are a must-bake during the holiday season:

1. Festive and Fun: The bright red and green M&Ms make these cookie bars the perfect holiday dessert. Their cheerful appearance instantly adds a festive touch to any table.
2. Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional cookies that require scooping and multiple batches, this recipe allows you to bake everything at once. It’s ideal for busy holiday schedules.
3. Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the right balance of brown sugar and butter, these bars stay moist, tender, and chewy long after baking.
4. Perfect for Sharing: One batch makes a generous amount of cookie bars, making them great for parties, potlucks, or gift-giving.
5. Customizable: You can add different types of candies, sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips to make these bars your own.
6. Kid-Friendly: Baking these cookie bars is a fun activity for kids, from stirring the dough to decorating the bars with M&Ms before baking.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

Understanding the purpose of each ingredient helps ensure your cookie bars turn out perfectly every time.

1. Butter

Butter is the base of the cookie dough, giving the bars their rich, buttery flavor and soft, chewy texture. Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt content, but if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly. For best results, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing, as this helps it blend smoothly with the sugars.

2. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is a crucial ingredient for achieving chewy cookie bars. The molasses in brown sugar adds depth of flavor and helps the cookie bars stay moist. Light brown sugar works well, but if you want a more intense caramel flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead.

3. Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create the golden-brown edges we all love in cookie bars. The combination of brown and white sugars balances sweetness and texture.

4. Eggs

Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookie bars. Room-temperature eggs blend more easily into the dough, ensuring a smoother consistency.

5. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances the flavors of the butter, sugar, and chocolate. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

6. All-Purpose Flour

Flour provides the structure for the bars. It’s important to measure your flour accurately—too much flour can lead to dense bars, while too little can cause them to fall apart. For best results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars rise slightly for a soft and tender texture.

8. Salt

A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the cookie bars, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the buttery richness.

9. Christmas M&Ms

The star of the show! Red and green M&Ms make these bars holiday-themed, adding color, crunch, and a chocolatey sweetness. You can mix some into the dough and press a few on top for decoration.

10. Optional Add-Ins

While classic M&Ms are the main ingredient, you can add extra mix-ins to customize the recipe:

• Chocolate Chips: For more chocolatey goodness.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds a creamy sweetness that contrasts with the M&Ms.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Sprinkles: Holiday-themed sprinkles can make the bars even more festive.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Adds a peppermint twist to the bars, perfect for Christmas.

Tools You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have these tools ready:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for the wet ingredients and a medium bowl for the dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: This size pan is perfect for creating thick, chewy bars. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for baking success.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for folding in M&Ms and scraping the bowl.
• Knife or Pizza Cutter: Use these to cut the bars into clean, even squares after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Proper creaming creates air pockets that contribute to the cookie bars’ soft texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the bars dense, so stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.

Step 5: Add M&Ms and Mix-Ins

• Fold in 1 cup of the M&Ms using a rubber spatula, reserving the remaining ½ cup for decoration.
• If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles, fold them in at this stage as well.

Step 6: Spread the Dough

• Transfer the dough into the prepared pan and use a spatula (or your hands) to press it into an even layer.
• Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms over the top, gently pressing them into the dough so they stick.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Be careful not to overbake, as the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
• Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

• Arrange the bars on a festive plate or dessert stand. Serve as-is, or pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat!

These M&M Christmas Cookie Bars are guaranteed to become a holiday tradition in your home. Their festive look, buttery flavor, and soft, chewy texture make them the perfect dessert for spreading Christmas cheer!

Creative Ways to Customize M&M Christmas Cookie Bars

The classic M&M Christmas Cookie Bars recipe is already festive and delicious, but there are endless ways to customize and elevate these bars to suit your taste or the occasion. Whether you’re looking to make them extra indulgent, experiment with new flavors, or create something unique for your dessert table, this section will guide you through countless variations and creative ideas.

1. Switch Up the Chocolate

M&Ms are the star of the show in these cookie bars, but why stop there? Adding additional chocolate or swapping out different types of chocolate can create new and exciting flavors.

Milk Chocolate M&Ms

• Stick with the classic milk chocolate M&Ms for the traditional cookie bar experience. The creamy chocolate pairs perfectly with the buttery dough.

Peanut M&Ms

• Add a little crunch and nuttiness by using peanut M&Ms. The combination of chocolate, peanuts, and cookie dough makes for a bold flavor that’s both sweet and salty.

Mini M&Ms

• Replace the standard M&Ms with mini M&Ms for more chocolate in every bite. The smaller candies distribute more evenly throughout the bars, ensuring maximum sweetness.

White Chocolate M&Ms

• For a creamier and sweeter twist, use white chocolate M&Ms. This works particularly well when paired with white chocolate chips.

Mint M&Ms

• Use mint-flavored M&Ms for a holiday-inspired flavor. These pair wonderfully with a touch of peppermint extract in the dough for a Christmas mint cookie vibe.

Dark Chocolate M&Ms

• For a more sophisticated and slightly less sweet version, dark chocolate M&Ms add depth and richness to the bars.

Seasonal M&Ms

• Consider other holiday-themed M&Ms for different occasions. For example:
  • Valentine’s Day: Red, pink, and white M&Ms.
  • Easter: Pastel-colored M&Ms.
  • Halloween: Orange, black, and purple M&Ms.

2. Add More Mix-Ins

Make your cookie bars more exciting by incorporating additional flavors and textures. Here are some ideas:

Chocolate Chips

• Add semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Mix in white chocolate chips to add a creamy sweetness.
• Use dark chocolate chunks for a rich and decadent twist.

Crushed Candy Canes

• Mix in crushed candy canes or sprinkle them on top before baking for a peppermint holiday flavor. This adds a festive look and a refreshing crunch.

Sprinkles

• Fold in Christmas-themed sprinkles (red, green, and white) for added color and fun. Sprinkles are a great addition for cookie exchanges or when baking with kids.

Chopped Nuts

• Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture.
• Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and aroma.

Toffee Bits

• Incorporate toffee bits for a caramel-like crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft and chewy cookie bars.

Dried Fruits

• Add dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet-tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the M&Ms. These are especially festive for Christmas.

Coconut Flakes

• Fold in shredded sweetened coconut to give the bars a tropical twist. The coconut adds a chewy texture that pairs well with the buttery dough.

3. Flavor Enhancements

Take your cookie bars to the next level by infusing them with additional flavors:

Peppermint Extract

• Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a minty holiday flavor. Pair this with crushed candy canes or mint M&Ms for a Christmas-inspired treat.

Almond Extract

• Swap out half of the vanilla extract for almond extract to add a subtle nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Espresso Powder

• Mix in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha-like flavor. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a richer, more indulgent bar.

Cinnamon or Nutmeg

• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. These holiday spices pair wonderfully with the buttery cookie base.

Orange Zest

• Grate some orange zest into the dough to add a hint of citrusy brightness. Orange pairs especially well with dark chocolate.

4. Different Cookie Bar Bases

The classic cookie base is delicious as it is, but you can experiment with alternative bases for new flavor profiles:

Brown Butter Base

• Replace the softened butter with browned butter for a nutty, caramelized flavor that adds incredible depth to the bars.

Gingerbread Base

• Swap out some of the flour for gingerbread spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to create a holiday-inspired gingerbread cookie bar.

Peanut Butter Base

• Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty, peanut butter-flavored base that pairs perfectly with M&Ms and chocolate chips.

Oatmeal Base

• Replace 1 cup of the flour with rolled oats to create an oatmeal cookie bar variation. Oats add a chewy texture and a wholesome flavor.

Blondie Base

• Use the cookie dough recipe as a blondie base by adding more brown sugar for a rich, caramelized flavor.

5. Decorating the Cookie Bars

Make your M&M Christmas Cookie Bars even more festive with creative decorating ideas:

Extra M&Ms on Top

• Press extra M&Ms onto the surface of the dough before baking to make the bars extra colorful. This ensures the red and green candies are visible for a festive look.

Drizzle with Chocolate

• After the bars have cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a polished, bakery-style finish.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

• Use a fine-mesh sieve to lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar. This adds a snowy holiday touch.

Holiday Sprinkles

• Sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter over the bars right after baking to enhance their festive appearance.

Add Frosting

• Spread a thin layer of vanilla or cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, then decorate with crushed candy canes or more M&Ms.

6. Presentation and Serving Ideas

How you present and serve your cookie bars can make them even more enticing. Here are some ideas for making your dessert table stand out:

Festive Platters

• Arrange the cookie bars on a holiday-themed platter or a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation. Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary or cranberries for added flair.

Gift Boxes

• Wrap the bars in cellophane or place them in holiday-themed treat boxes. Add a festive ribbon and a handwritten note for a personal touch. These make wonderful edible gifts for friends, neighbors, or coworkers.

Layered Dessert Jars

• Crumble the cookie bars into clear jars and layer them with whipped cream, chocolate mousse, or ice cream for a unique dessert presentation.

Pair with Drinks

• Serve the bars alongside a mug of hot cocoa with whipped cream or peppermint tea for the perfect holiday pairing.
• For adults, pair the bars with a glass of Baileys Irish Cream or a holiday-themed cocktail like spiked eggnog or mulled wine.

7. Seasonal and Themed Variations

While these bars are perfect for Christmas, you can adapt the recipe for other holidays and occasions:

Valentine’s Day

• Use pink, red, and white M&Ms for a romantic touch. Add heart-shaped sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate over the top.

Easter

• Use pastel-colored M&Ms and top the bars with shredded coconut to create an Easter-themed dessert.

Halloween

• Add orange and black M&Ms, candy eyeballs, or mini chocolate bats for a spooky twist.

Fourth of July

• Use red, white, and blue M&Ms and star-shaped sprinkles for a patriotic dessert.

Birthdays

• Use rainbow-colored M&Ms and add a handful of rainbow sprinkles to make these cookie bars a perfect birthday treat.

8. Make Them Healthier

If you’re looking for ways to make these bars a little lighter or more nutritious, here are some tips:

Whole Wheat Flour

• Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber.

Coconut Sugar

• Swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index.

Dark Chocolate

• Use dark chocolate M&Ms or dark chocolate chips for a lower-sugar option with more antioxidants.

Reduce Butter

• Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut down on fat.

Oats and Seeds

• Add rolled oats, chia seeds, or flaxseeds to the dough for added fiber and nutrients.

With these creative enhancements and variations, you can turn your M&M Christmas Cookie Bars into a personalized masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, giving homemade gifts, or simply baking for fun, these customizations ensure that your cookie bars will stand out as a festive and delicious treat!

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