M&M Christmas Cookie Bars

Get into the holiday spirit with these yummy M&M Christmas cookie bars! They’re easy, need only basic ingredients, and are sure to be a hit.

Instead of spending hours rolling out and cutting dough for Christmas cookies this year, why not try something new?

These M&M Christmas Cookie Bars are an absolutely delicious way to spread some holiday cheer. With only a few simple ingredients needed and relatively little effort involved, these bars come together quickly and easily – meaning you can spend more time cuddling up by the fire with loved ones rather than in the kitchen.

And best of all, they’re totally customizable so you’ll be able to bake up a creation that’s unique and special. So gather your ingredients then get ready to whip up a batch of these delightful cookie bars – let’s make some magic!

Tips for Making the BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

• The bars will still be soft when coming out of the oven. Allow the bars to cool for 1 hour at room temperature before removing from the pan and slicing. This helps the bars to firm up and set so they don’t break apart.
• To keep the bars from losing moisture, make sure to store it in an airtight container once it has cooled.
• You can halve the recipe and use an 8×8 inch baking pan.

How to Store M&M Christmas Cookie Bars

The dough can be made ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Any longer and the dough will begin to dry out.

Store leftover baked cookie bars in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days.

Freeze leftover bars by slicing them into squares and stacking them in a freezer safe airtight container or bag with parchment paper between each slice for up to 3 months.

Equipment Needed for Cookie Bars

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer

About the Ingredients for M&M Bars

Butter – Unsalted butter is best but you can use salted butter. If you do use salted butter, be sure to halve the additional salt.

Sugar – A mix of dark brown sugar and white granulated sugar is best here.

Eggs – Be sure to use room temperature eggs.

Vanilla extract – Adds a pop of flavour. Feel free to use artificial vanilla if that is all you have on hand.

Flour – If you don’t have any cake flour on hand you can use all-purpose flour with cornstarch to achieve the fluffiness that cake flour gives this cake. To make your own cake flour substitute, measure out your flour, then remove 3 Tablespoons. Add back in 3 Tablespoons of cornstarch. Then sift your flour twice over so it is nice and fluffy like cake flour. Ready to use! Spoon and level both the flour when measuring it, otherwise you’ll wind up with an overly dense bar.

Baking powder & soda – Make sure they are active and fresh so they leaven the bars properly.

Salt – Balances out all the flavours.

M&Ms & Sprinkles – I used milk chocolate M&Ms but you can use any variety you’d like. This recipe can also be made using different colored M&Ms and sprinkles for different holidays.

Chocolate chips – Instead of white chocolate chips, you can opt to use milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or replace it with another add-in such as nuts or toffee bits if desired.

How to Make M&M Christmas Cookie Bars

Yields: 12 squares | Prep time: 10 Minutes | Cook time: 22-28 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup red and green M&M’s, plus more for topping if desired
• ¾ cup white chocolate chips, plus more for topping if desired
• ⅓ cup holiday sprinkles, plus more for topping if desired

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit, and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together and set aside. (Image 1)

In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. (Image 2)

Cream together with an electric mixer on medium-high speed. (Image 3)

Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract on medium speed until just incorporated. (Image 4)

Gradually add the flour mix, mixing until it becomes a thick cookie-dough consistency. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and ensure it all mixes in. (Image 5)

Fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles until evenly distributed. (Image 6)

Press the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan in an even layer. Top with additional M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, if desired. (Image 7)

Place in the oven and bake for 22-28 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly browned. (Image 8)

For soft and gooey bars, do not overbake. It will continue to bake in the hot pan set as it cools.

Set the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool for 1 hour.

Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!