Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dessert that is easy to make and sure to impress, look no further than these Christmas Cookie Bars. Loaded with festive M&Ms and colorful sprinkles, these cookie bars are not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a cookie exchange, or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s dive into how to create these delightful cookie bars that will become a new Christmas tradition in your household!

Ingredients Overview

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients you need for the Christmas Cookie Bars. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookie bars.
• 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a chewy texture.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookie bars rise slightly and become light.
• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough and provides structure.
• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms: Adds festive color and a burst of chocolate in every bite.
• ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies): Adds a fun, colorful touch that is perfect for the holidays.

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make these delicious cookie bars, you’ll need a few kitchen tools:

• 9×13-inch metal baking pan: Ideal for achieving an even bake.
• Aluminum foil: Makes for easy removal and cleanup.
• Cooking spray: Ensures your cookie bars don’t stick to the pan.
• Stand or hand mixer: For mixing the dough to the perfect consistency.
• Mixing bowls: To combine the ingredients efficiently.
• Spatula: Helps in spreading the dough evenly in the pan.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing Your Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch metal pan with aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This will help you easily lift the bars out of the pan once they are baked. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Mixing the Batter: Tips for Perfect Consistency

In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Using a stand or hand mixer, mix until the mixture is crumbly and well-combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Next, add the salt and baking powder, and mix until just incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing slowly to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough cookie bars. The dough should be thick but still spreadable.

3. Adding the Festive Touch: M&Ms and Sprinkles

Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles. These colorful additions bring a festive look and extra flavor to the bars. Save a handful of M&Ms and sprinkles to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra festive appearance.

4. Spreading the Batter Evenly in the Pan

Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Since the dough will be sticky, spray your hands with cooking spray to help press it evenly into the pan. Ensure the batter is spread to all corners and has a smooth, even layer. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms and sprinkles on top for decoration.

5. Baking Tips: How to Achieve the Perfect Texture

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remember, it’s better to slightly underbake these cookie bars than to overbake them, as they will continue to set as they cool. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
• Overbaking: It’s easy to overbake these bars since they continue to bake slightly as they cool. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they start turning golden.
• Improperly Spreading the Dough: Make sure the dough is evenly spread in the pan to ensure uniform baking.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

To make your Christmas Cookie Bars even more festive, consider cutting them into different shapes using cookie cutters. You can also drizzle them with white or dark chocolate for added decadence. Arrange them on a holiday-themed platter, and dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

Feel free to customize these cookie bars to suit your taste:

• Swap M&Ms: Use different colors of M&Ms for other occasions or add peanut butter M&Ms for a different flavor.
• Add Nuts: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
• Use White Chocolate Chips: For a different flavor profile, swap out some of the M&Ms for white chocolate chips.

Storing and Freezing Tips

To keep your Christmas Cookie Bars fresh:

• Storing: Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but make sure to reduce the added salt to avoid overly salty cookie bars.

Q: Can I use different sprinkles?
A: Absolutely! Use any sprinkles you like. Jimmies are recommended as they do not bleed color during baking.

Q: How do I know when the cookie bars are done?
A: The edges should be slightly golden, and the center should look set but not overly browned.

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• For easy removal, let the bars cool completely before lifting them out of the pan using the foil overhang.
• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter.
• Don’t skip the cooking spray on your hands when spreading the dough to prevent sticking.

conclusion

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars with your loved ones this holiday season! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Subscribe to our blog for more festive recipes, tips, and tricks!

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