Let me tell you, every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a bustling little workshop filled with the most delightful aromas, and one of my absolute favorite creations is the Christmas M&M Cookie Bars. I’ve made these scrumptious bars countless times, and I can’t stress enough how popular they are with family and friends! They are not just a treat; they are a celebration of the festive spirit, bursting with colors and flavors that make everyone smile. If you’re looking for a go-to dessert that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress, trust me, these bars are a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas M&M Cookie Bars
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these bars with confidence.
- Versatile Treat: You can customize them with different M&M colors or even add other mix-ins for a unique twist.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the M&Ms make these bars a feast for the eyes, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Perfect for Sharing: Made in a single pan, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for cookie exchanges or parties.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake them in advance and store them for a sweet treat whenever you need a pick-me-up.
The Secret to Perfect Christmas M&M Cookie Bars
The secret to achieving the perfect Christmas M&M Cookie Bars lies in the balance of butter and sugar. Ensuring that your butter is softened, but not melted, helps the bars maintain their chewy texture while still being soft and delicious. And here’s an insider tip: don’t skimp on the M&Ms! More is always merrier when it comes to these colorful candies. You’ll want to mix them both into the dough and sprinkle some on top for that stunning finish. Trust me, once you get this right, your bars will be the talk of the town!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“These cookie bars are a holiday must! I brought them to a family gathering, and they were gone in minutes. Everyone was asking for the recipe!” – Sarah M.
“I made these for my kids’ bake sale, and they were a hit! I love how colorful and festive they are.” – John T.
“Absolutely delicious and so easy to make! I can’t wait to bake them again for our Christmas party!” – Emily R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookie Bars: Substitute half the butter for peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Toss in some chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Top with festive sprinkles along with the M&Ms for an extra holiday flair.
Bonus: You can also use mini M&Ms for a fun texture change, and they bake evenly throughout the bars!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake them up to three days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What can I substitute for M&Ms?
You could use chocolate chunks, dried fruit, or any favorite candy pieces for a different flavor experience!
How should I store the leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for up to three months.
What if my bars are too crumbly?
If they’re crumbly, it might be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on them, and take them out as soon as they’re lightly golden.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze them.
- Cut into squares or rectangles for easy serving.
- Pair with a glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa for the ultimate treat!
Perfect Occasions for Christmas M&M Cookie Bars
- Holiday parties and gatherings with friends and family.
- Cookie exchanges—these bars will stand out!
- School bake sales or potlucks.
- As a fun treat for a cozy movie night.
- Gifts for neighbors or coworkers during the holiday season.
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking around! Now, let’s get into making these delightful Christmas M&M Cookie Bars that will have everyone raving!
Christmas M&M Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups M&Ms (plus extra for topping)
Tip: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing, and always measure your flour correctly to avoid dense bars!
Extend ingredients section: You can also add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips if you want a richer chocolate flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes for easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffiness helps create that chewy texture we love!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Step 5: Fold in the M&Ms
Gently fold in the M&Ms, saving a few to sprinkle on top. This is where the excitement builds—each colorful candy adds a festive touch!
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Nutrition info per serving (1 bar): Approximately 200 calories, 10g fat, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g protein.
Extend instructions: For added flair, drizzle melted chocolate over the top after cooling, or sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty combination. You can also use cookie cutters to create festive shapes for special occasions!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, these Christmas M&M Cookie Bars are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They encapsulate the joy of the season with every colorful bite, making them not just a treat, but a way to spread happiness! So, get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and dive into this exciting baking adventure. I promise, once you try them, you’ll want to make them every holiday season!
