There’s something magical about the holiday season—the cozy evenings, twinkling lights, and the irresistible smell of cookies baking in the oven. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as festive as the season itself, gooey Christmas cookie bars are exactly what you need.
These cookie bars are packed with holiday cheer—loaded with colorful Christmas M&Ms, sprinkles, and a rich, buttery cookie base that melts in your mouth. They’re the perfect combination of chewy, gooey, and sweet, making them a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking with your kids or whipping up a treat to share with friends, these cookie bars are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Why Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars Are Perfect for the Holidays
Christmas cookie bars are the ultimate holiday dessert. Unlike traditional cookies, these bars are easier to prepare—no rolling or shaping required! Just mix, bake, and slice for a hassle-free dessert that looks and tastes incredible.
What makes these cookie bars extra special is their festive appearance. The vibrant Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles add a pop of holiday color, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as edible gifts. Plus, their gooey texture and buttery flavor will keep everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients for Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
Let’s start with the star of the show—the ingredients! These simple pantry staples come together to create the most festive and delicious cookie bars you’ll ever try.
Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Refrigerated | Eggs, large | 2 |
Baking & Spices | All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
Baking powder | 1 tsp | |
Brown sugar, packed | 2 cups | |
Salt | ½ tsp | |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | |
Dairy | Butter, unsalted | ½ cup |
Desserts | Christmas M&Ms | 1 cup |
Other | Christmas sprinkles (jimmies) | ½ cup |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to create the most delightful gooey cookie bars for the holiday season.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients. Prepping everything in advance makes the baking process smoother and ensures you don’t forget anything.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Melt the Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the Festive Add-Ins
Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles, reserving a few for sprinkling on top.
7. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms and sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch.
8. Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Slice
Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Why These Cookie Bars Always Turn Out Perfect
- Brown Sugar Base: The packed brown sugar gives these cookie bars their gooey, chewy texture and rich caramel-like flavor.
- Festive Toppings: Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles make these bars fun and visually appealing for the holidays.
- Easy Preparation: No rolling or chilling required—just mix, bake, and slice!
Tips for the Best Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
- Don’t Overbake: The key to gooey cookie bars is slightly underbaking them. The center should be soft, and the edges lightly golden.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother texture.
- Customize Your Toppings: Swap the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles for chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for a unique twist.
- Chill Before Slicing: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (based on 16 bars):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Total Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 32 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 85 mg |
Sugar | 22 g |
FAQs About Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
1. Can I Make These Cookie Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake these cookie bars up to 3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for the best texture.
2. Can I Freeze These Cookie Bars?
Absolutely. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I Use Regular M&Ms Instead of Christmas M&Ms?
Yes! If you don’t have Christmas M&Ms, regular M&Ms work just as well. You can also use other festive candies.
4. Why Are My Cookie Bars Dry?
Dry cookie bars are usually a result of overbaking. Be sure to check them at the 25-minute mark and remove them when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly gooey.
5. Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13-inch pan) to accommodate the extra batter.
6. How Should I Serve These Cookie Bars?
Serve these bars on their own, or pair them with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra festive touch.
Final Thoughts on Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars
There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than with a batch of gooey Christmas cookie bars. They’re festive, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking with your family, or gifting treats to friends, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get baking! Your taste buds—and everyone you share these with—will thank you.
PrintGooey Christmas Cookie Bars: A Festive Treat You’ll Adore
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookie bars
Description
Looking for the ultimate festive treat to brighten your holiday season? These gooey Christmas cookie bars are just what you need! With a buttery cookie base, packed with vibrant Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles, they’re soft, chewy, and full of holiday cheer. They’re so easy to make, you’ll want to bake them again and again!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies for best results)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add Festive Toppings
- Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles, saving a few for topping the bars later.
- Spread the Batter
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms and sprinkles over the top for a festive finish.
- Bake to Gooey Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice
- Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice them into squares and serve.
Notes
- Avoid overbaking to keep the center soft and gooey.
- For an extra festive twist, mix in white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candy.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean, neat edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American