The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and what better way to embrace the spirit of the season than with delicious cookie bars? The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars are not only festive but also easy to make. These bars combine the flavors of sweet chocolate chips, colorful holiday M&M’s, crunchy pretzels, and chewy caramels, all packed into one delightful treat. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply for enjoying at home with family.

Baking during the holidays brings warmth and happiness, creating lasting memories with loved ones. This recipe for Christmas Cookie Bars is a great way to spread holiday cheer through tasty treats. The vibrant colors and festive flavors make these cookie bars a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe for several reasons. First, it is simple and quick to prepare. Even if you are not an expert baker, you can easily whip up these cookie bars with just a few steps. Second, the combination of flavors and textures in these bars is irresistible. You get sweetness from the sugars and chocolate, crunch from the pretzels, and a chewy surprise with the caramels.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Plus, the vibrant colors from the M&M’s and sprinkles make the bars look beautiful on any holiday dessert table. Finally, these cookie bars can be made ahead of time and stored for later, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the holiday season.

HOW TO MAKE The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

Making The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars is a straightforward process. Just gather your ingredients and follow the steps below.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before you begin baking, make sure you have the following equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A medium-sized microwave-safe bowl
• A spatula or wooden spoon
• A 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
• An oven

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup red & green M&M’s
• ½ cup pretzels, broken
• ½ cup chewy caramels, chopped
• 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Chop caramels into smaller pieces for easy mixing.
3. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter for 20-30 seconds. Make sure it is soft but not boiling.
4. Stir in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined and smooth.
5. Mix in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
6. Add baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
7. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, continuing to mix until a dough forms.
8. Fold in the chocolate chips, red & green M&M’s, broken pretzels, and chopped caramels. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
9. Press the dough into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Use an even layer.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
11. Once finished baking, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

 

HOW TO SERVE The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They make a wonderful dessert for holiday dinners or parties. For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle additional holiday sprinkles on top before serving.

STORAGE & FREEZING: The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

To store your cookie bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some serving suggestions for The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars:

• Serve alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
• Pair with a festive fruit platter for a balanced dessert table.
• Use as a base for an ice cream sundae, adding fudge sauce or caramel sauce on top.
• Gift wrap individual squares with ribbons as Christmas treats for friends and family.

VARIATIONS

This recipe is flexible, and you can easily create variations. Here are some ideas:

• Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Include dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity burst.
• White Chocolate: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different sweetness.
• Mint Flavor: Use mint-flavored M&M’s or a bit of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

A1: Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour in this recipe for a gluten-free version.

Q2: How do I know when the cookie bars are done?

A2: The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Q3: Can I add more chocolate to the recipe?

A3: Absolutely! You can add more chocolate chips or use different types of chocolate, like dark or milk chocolate.

Q4: What can I use instead of caramels?

A4: If you don’t have caramels, you can use caramel sauce or omit them entirely for a simpler version.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

To save time during the busy holiday season, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before pressing it into the pan and baking. This way, you can quickly bake them fresh when you need them without any fuss. Enjoy your baking!

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