These Christmas Bar Cookies are an irresistible combination of chewy cookie goodness and holiday flair. They're soft, buttery, and filled with red and green M&Ms for a hint of chocolate and Christmas cheer. From holiday parties to gifting, these cookie bars are guaranteed to impress.
Christmas baking is one of my favorite holiday traditions, and these bars are a must in my cookie rotation. They’re so much easier to make than rolling out individual cookies but still have that classic, homemade flavor that leaves everyone reaching for seconds. The fun pops of red and green from the M&M’s adds a festive touch to any dessert table.
These cookie bars are my go-to for holiday parties or a last-minute dessert when I'm stretched for time. They pair beautifully with my other favorites like Christmas Oreo Balls, Christmas Wreath Cookies, Red Hots Cookie Recipe, and even Holiday Cookie Boxes. Whether you’re looking for colorful dessert spread or put together a box of homemade treats, these cookie bars will do the trick.
What you'll love about these cookie bars
- No chilling requires: Unlike a lot of classic cookie recipes, this recipe doesn't require you to chill the dough. Speeding up the cooking process and saving you time in the kitchen.
- Great for a crowd: The large and easy batch size makes these cookies great for a crowd. Plus, you can easily adjust the recipe to a larger pan.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite add-ins or toppings. Chocolate chips, nuts, peanut butter cups, or other types of holiday candies go great in these cookies. Just like these Christmas wreath cookies.
- Perfect for gifting: Throw these cookies in a holiday cookie box or put them in a holiday plastic baggie to give as gifts.
What you'll need to make Christmas Cookie Bars
- Butter, Eggs, and Sugar: Essential for any Christmas cookie recipe.
- Flour: All purpose flour works great, feel free to swap for a 1-1 gluten free flour if you want to make these gluten free.
- Baking Soda & Cream of Tartar: These work together to give the bars just the right amount of rise and a slightly chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract & Almond Extract: These help bring together all of the flavors and a touch of almond sweetness.
- Red and Green Sprinkles: A festive addition that makes these cookie bars look as good as they taste!
- Red and Green M&Ms: These classic candies add extra chocolate and a fun holiday flair, just like in this Christmas crack Chex mix.
- Chocolate Chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate.
Can I make these Christmas Cookies gluten free?
Yes, you can make these christmas cookie bars gluten free by swapping regular flour with gluten free all purpose flour. In addition, be sure to double check that your M&Ms and candies are gluten free as holiday versions of classic candies sometimes contain gluten.
Can I substitute the almond extract?
Yes, you can leave out the almond extract or replace it with another flavor. Peppermint or maple extract will add a festive twist. This is a great way to customize the flavor of your cookies to your liking.
How to make Christmas Cookie Bars
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients until combined.
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Wet ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients together until smooth.
Combine: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, then incorporate the chocolates.
Bake: Add to a 9x9 pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cut and serve: Let the cookie bars cool for a few minutes, then cut into even squares and serve.
Can I use a different sized pan for this recipe?
Yes! If you want thicker bars, you can use an 9x9-inch pan and follow the baking directions. For thinner bars, use a larger pan, like a 15x10-inch pan, and cut the baking time by a few minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid over baking. If you want a lot of thicker bars, you can double or increase the recipe by 1/2 and bake in a 10x15 pan. Do note that the baking time will increase.
Storing and Freezing
Storing: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container or a ziplock baggie at room temperature for up to 4 days. To store even longer, put them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Cut cookies into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container or plastic baggie. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
More Christmas Recipes You'll Love
- White chocolate Christmas crack
- Homemade gingerbread house
- Christmas popcorn
- Christmas charcuterie board
- Christmas reindeer Chex mix
Christmas Bar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups butter softened
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 6 eggs
- 7 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons almond extract
- 1/4 cup red and green sprinkles
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the sprinkles, M&Ms, and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Chandice Probst says
if you’re looking for a delicious Christmas bar, these are the best! So simple and full of all the holiday flavors you love!