Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats! And what better way to spread Christmas cheer than with a batch of vibrant, irresistible Christmas M&M Cookie Bars? These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a festive explosion of buttery goodness, studded with colorful M&Ms that instantly evoke childhood memories and the magic of Christmas. As a seasoned baker, I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over the years, ensuring it’s foolproof and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. From school bake sales to family gatherings, these bars have always been the first to disappear. Get ready to add a touch of holiday magic to your kitchen!

This Christmas M&M Cookie Bar recipe leverages the current trend of easy, no-fuss baking, perfect for busy holiday schedules. It combines the simplicity of a cookie bar with the visual appeal of Christmas M&Ms, making it ideal for sharing on social media and impressing friends and family alike. Let’s dive into the recipe and create some holiday magic together!

Ingredients for Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Butter provides richness and moisture. Ensure it’s properly softened to cream smoothly with the sugar. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar contributes to the moistness and adds a caramel-like flavor due to the molasses content. Light or dark brown sugar can be used depending on your preference for a stronger molasses flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure and richness of the cookie bars. Use large eggs for consistent results.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors in the bars, adding a warm and comforting aroma. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for the best flavor.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookie bars. Measure accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dry bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the bars rise and creating a soft texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the bars.
• 1 ½ cups Christmas M&Ms: The star of the show! These festive candies add color, crunch, and a delightful chocolatey flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Butter: For a dairy-free option, substitute with a plant-based butter alternative.
• Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) as a vegan substitute.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• M&Ms: Substitute with other holiday-themed candies or chocolate chips.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee perfect Christmas M&M cookie bars every time. Here are my top tips:

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the bars from spreading too thin during baking.
• Use a light-colored baking pan: Dark pans can cause the edges of the bars to bake too quickly.
• Press extra M&Ms on top: This makes the bars look extra festive and ensures there are plenty of candies in every bite.
• Don’t overbake: Overbaked bars will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting: This allows them to firm up and prevents them from crumbling.

Storage & Substitutions for Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

Storage Instructions

To keep your Christmas M&M Cookie Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before serving.

Ingredient Swaps

• Different M&M Flavors: Experiment with different M&M flavors like peanut butter or pretzel for a unique twist.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a festive and chewy texture.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and comforting flavor.

FAQ About Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before pressing it into the pan and baking. You can also bake the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Christmas M&M cookie bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze very well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Why are my cookie bars dry?

Dry cookie bars are often caused by overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and avoid overbaking. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

Why are my cookie bars too crumbly?

Crumbly cookie bars can be a result of not having enough moisture. Ensure you are using softened butter and measuring ingredients accurately. Adding a tablespoon or two of milk can also help bind the ingredients better.

Can I use a different type of chocolate in these bars?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate! Chocolate chips, chunks, or even chopped chocolate bars would work well. White chocolate chips would also be a delicious addition.

What size pan should I use for these cookie bars?

This recipe is designed for a 9×13 inch baking pan. Using a different size pan may affect the baking time and thickness of the bars.

Spread Holiday Cheer with These Delicious Cookie Bars

There you have it a simple, festive, and utterly delicious recipe for Christmas M&M Cookie Bars that’s sure to become a holiday tradition. These bars are perfect for sharing with loved ones, bringing to potlucks, or simply enjoying a sweet treat by the fire. Their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor make them a standout dessert that everyone will adore. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #ChristmasM&MCookieBars I can’t wait to see your festive baking! And for more holiday baking inspiration, check out my recipes for Gingerbread Biscotti, Classic Sugar Cookies, and Peppermint Bark Brownies.

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