Delicious Christmas MM Cookie Bars for Cozy Holiday Joy
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas M&M Cookie Bars, a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. These soft, chewy bars are loaded with colorful M&M's and rich chocolate chips, delivering a burst of joy in every bite. Easy to make and universally loved, they bring warmth and sweetness to any festive occasion.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings
Makes 16-24 bars, depending on size
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Effortlessly festive, these bars bring instant holiday cheer to any table.
- Simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- A delightful combination of chewy cookie, melty chocolate, and colorful candy.
- Perfect for sharing at parties, gifting, or enjoying with loved ones.
- Kid-friendly and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 240 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 200 grams (1 cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 226 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) baking soda
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
- 170 grams (1 cup) Christmas-themed M&M's candies
- 85 grams (1/2 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease and flour a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air, contributing to the bars' tender texture.
- Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent rising and flavor.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tougher bars.
- Gently fold in the Christmas M&M's candies and semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough without crushing the M&M's.
- Press the prepared cookie dough evenly into the greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure an even layer from edge to edge.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in dry bars.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. Cooling completely allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to slice cleanly and preventing them from falling apart.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons (or kitchen scale)
- Wire cooling rack
- Parchment paper (optional)
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, homogenous batter that emulsifies properly.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added; mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
- Use a light-colored metal baking pan for even baking and to prevent over-browning on the bottom.
- For perfectly clean slices, chill the cooled bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven; look for golden edges and a mostly set center.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the flavor, slightly brown the butter before creaming it with the sugars. Allow it to cool slightly before use. This adds a nutty, caramelized depth that complements the sweetness.
- For an extra festive touch and professional finish, sprinkle a few extra M&M's and chocolate chips on top of the dough just before baking.
- A touch of almond extract (1/4 teaspoon / 1.25 ml) can enhance the vanilla and chocolate flavors, adding a subtle complexity without being overpowering.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled Christmas M&M Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Variations: Feel free to swap out M&M's for other holiday candies like crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for different textures and flavors. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced cookie bar.
- Gifting: These cookie bars make an excellent homemade gift during the holidays. Cut them into squares, arrange them in a festive tin or box, and tie with a ribbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookie bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they'll remain delightfully fresh and chewy for your holiday gathering.
How do I prevent my cookie bars from being too dry or crumbly?
The key is to avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. The bars should have golden edges but still look slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool. Also, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for proper emulsification.
What kind of baking pan is best for cookie bars?
A light-colored metal baking pan is generally best for cookie bars as it conducts heat evenly and helps prevent the edges and bottom from over-browning. A 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan is ideal for this recipe, and lining it with parchment paper makes for easy lifting and cutting.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 380, Protein: 4g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Carbs: 45g, Sugars: 30g, Fiber: 1g, Cholesterol: 60mg, Sodium: 180mg (per estimated bar)
Allergy Information
Contains wheat, dairy (butter, M&M's, chocolate chips), and eggs. May contain soy. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips/candies.
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