When the air smells of cinnamon and laughter fills the kitchen, nothing feels more like Christmas than a pan of warm, melty cookie bars fresh from the oven. These Christmas M&M Cookie Bars are buttery, chewy, and speckled with red and green candies that sparkle like tiny ornaments. Each bite carries that cozy mix of chocolate, vanilla, and nostalgia the kind of sweetness that brings everyone a little closer around the table.
Whether youโre baking for a cookie exchange, wrapping them up as gifts, or sneaking one straight from the pan (because who can wait?), these bars are pure joy in dessert form simple to make, impossible to resist.
โค๏ธ Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Easy โ A simple, one-pan recipe that comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
- Gooey & Soft โ These bars have the perfect soft and chewy texture that everyone loves.
- Loaded with Goodies โ Packed with both M&Mโs and chocolate chips for a double dose of chocolatey goodness.
- Festive & Versatile โ Easily customizable with different colored M&Mโs for any holiday or occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing โ Ideal for cookie exchanges, parties, or a delicious family treat.
๐ Tools Youโll Need
- Large bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer ๐๏ธ
- 9x13 inch baking pan (for thicker bars) or 15x10 inch pan (for thinner bars)
- Parchment paper or foil
- Non-stick spray
- Spatula or spoon
๐ฅ Key Ingredients
- Unsalted butter โ At room temperature, for a rich and tender base. ๐ง
- Light brown sugar โ Packed, adds moisture and a chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar โ For sweetness and crisp edges.
- Large eggs โ Binds the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract โ Enhances the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour โ The main dry ingredient for structure.
- Baking soda โ Helps the bars rise.
- Salt โ Balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate chips โ (Milk, semi-sweet, or white) for extra chocolate flavor.
- M&Mโs โ (Regular or colored) for a fun, colorful, and chocolatey addition.
๐ช How to Make Christmas M&M Cookie Bars
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 325ยฐF (160ยฐC). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan (for thicker bars) or a 15x10 inch pan (for thinner bars) with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, using a mixer, cream together the butter and sugars for 1 minute until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir the mixture just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Fold in Mix-ins:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and M&Mโs, reserving about 1/4 cup of each for the top.
5. Assemble & Bake:
Scoop the cookie dough into the prepared pan and press down evenly. Place the reserved M&Mโs and chocolate chips on top of the dough. Bake for 30โ35 minutes for a 9x13 inch pan, or 20 minutes for a 15x10 inch pan, or until the top is barely golden brown. The center may look slightly underdone, but it will set as it cools.
6. Cool & Slice:
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing. This is crucial for them to set properly and maintain their gooey texture.
๐ก Tips for Success
- Donโt Overcook โ Remove the bars from the oven when the top is barely golden. They will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a gooey center.
- Line the Pan โ Lining your baking pan with foil or parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and helps the bars cook evenly.
- Extra M&Mโs โ For an extra pretty presentation, add a few M&Mโs on top of the dough right before baking, or immediately after they come out of the oven.
- Room Temperature Ingredients โ Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, well-combined dough.
๐ Cookie Bar Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: My cookie bars are dry and crumbly.
Likely Cause: Overbaked or too much flour.
Solution: Reduce baking time slightly. The bars should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven. Ensure flour is measured accurately.
Problem: My cookie bars are too flat.
Likely Cause: Butter was too soft/melted, or baking soda is old.
Solution: Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Check the freshness of your baking soda. If using a larger pan for thinner bars, this is expected.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Pro Chef Tips
- Customize M&M Colors: Use M&Mโs in colors that match the season or holiday (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween).
- Add a Glaze: For an extra touch, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bars.
- Mix-in Variations: Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or different types of chocolate chips.
โ Perfect Pairings: What to Enjoy with Your M&M Cookie Bars
- Cold Milk: A classic and comforting pairing that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookie bars.
- Hot Chocolate: Especially during colder months, a warm mug of hot chocolate is a delightful match.
- Coffee: A mild coffee or latte can balance the richness of the chocolate and M&Mโs.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a warm cookie bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
๐ฆ How to Store
- Room Temperature: Store cooled M&M cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars or the whole slab in foil, then place in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They will last in the freezer for a couple of months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
This comprehensive guide ensures youโll create perfect M&M Cookie Bars every time, making your baking experience delightful and delicious! ๐ช๐
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