Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
So, the other day, while I was bustling through the kitchen trying to whip something up for a festive school bake sale, Alex popped his head in and asked for those Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars we made last December. You remember, those delightful, chewy treats with M&Ms and sprinkles that practically scream holiday cheer? With everything happening at home, they’re perfect because they come together quickly and always seem to disappear just as fast! If you've got a busy weeknight and need a treat that everyone will adore, these cookie bars are the way to go. Plus, here's another delicious option you might like: Gooey Oreo Turkey Cookies for a Sweet Treat.
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Why you'll love this recipe
First of all, these bars are a breeze to make. No rolling individual cookies or dealing with multi-step recipes. Everything blends smoothly in one go, making them not only easy on time but also on cleanup. They're a real hit in our house, with both Alex and Sarah giving their seal of approval, and trust me, that’s no easy feat! The best part? They feel so festive with the colorful M&Ms and sprinkles, making them a sparkling addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms or your favorite color
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13” metal pan with foil and give it a good spray with cooking spray.
- In your trusty stand or hand mixer, combine the butter and brown sugar until it gets crumbly. Then, smoothly mix in the eggs and vanilla. Follow up with the salt, baking powder, and slowly add in the flour.
- Gently stir in the M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Spread this joyful dough into your prepared pan. A little spray on your hands can help you smooth it out evenly. Top with any leftover mix-ins.
- Let them bake for about 22-25 minutes, until they're just beginning to turn golden. Oh, these will smell divine! Once cooled, slice them into bars and watch them vanish.
Recipe tips & variations
While we've stuck with the classic red and green M&Ms for these bars, feel free to switch it up. If you want different themed bars for, say, Easter or Halloween, just swap the colors. The same goes for the sprinkles – get creative! Also, I've noticed that using a metal pan helps them bake evenly and gives a nice edge, so I always go with metal over glass.
Storage & reheating
These bars are dreamy because they stay fresh for several days. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’re ready whenever the cookie cravings hit. If you make them ahead, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just stack them with parchment paper in-between and seal in a freezer-safe container.
FAQs
How do I know when the Christmas cookie bars are perfectly baked?
You'll want them to be just turning golden on the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect gooey texture.
Can I freeze Christmas cookie bars for later use?
Absolutely! Just make sure they're fully cooled, then freeze them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. They'll last for about 3 months.
Why should I use a metal pan instead of a glass one for this recipe?
Metal pans heat up and cool down faster than glass, ensuring even baking throughout and a delightful chewy edge that we all crave in a cookie bar.
Can I customize the M&Ms and sprinkles for other holidays or occasions?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the colors to match any holiday theme or occasion. It’s a fun way to keep these bars feeling special all year round.
Recipes you may like
If you enjoyed these chewy bars, you'll also love:
- Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Decadent Chocolate Caramel Cookies You'll Crave Daily
- Gooey Oreo Turkey Cookies for a Sweet Treat
These recipes capture the same easy, delightful spirit that makes homemade treats such a joy on our busy Manhattan days. Enjoy every sweet bite!
Print
Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and chewy Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms and sprinkles, perfect for the festive season.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms or your favorite color
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13” metal pan with foil and give it a good spray with cooking spray.
- In your trusty stand or hand mixer, combine the butter and brown sugar until it gets crumbly. Then, smoothly mix in the eggs and vanilla. Follow up with the salt, baking powder, and slowly add in the flour.
- Gently stir in the M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Spread this joyful dough into your prepared pan. A little spray on your hands can help you smooth it out evenly. Top with any leftover mix-ins.
- Let them bake for about 22-25 minutes, until they're just beginning to turn golden. Oh, these will smell divine! Once cooled, slice them into bars and watch them vanish.
Notes
- Feel free to swap M&Ms and sprinkles for different holiday themes.
- Using a metal pan can help with even baking and a nice edge.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
