These Christmas Cookie Bars are as festive as they are delicious, with colorful sprinkles and bright M&M’s embedded throughout the soft, chewy cookie base. The combination of chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles creates the ultimate Christmas treat that will bring joy to any occasion. Perfect for holiday parties or as a special dessert for your family, these bars are easy to make and even easier to devour. Their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor make them a must-have on your Christmas cookie tray. Plus, they are quick to prepare, ensuring you can spend more time enjoying the holiday season!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups M&M’s
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and rainbow sprinkles.
- Pour the dough into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 bars
Christmas Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
There’s no doubt that Christmas is the season for indulgent desserts, and what could be better than a recipe that combines the best of a classic cookie with a modern twist? These Christmas Cookie Bars are exactly what you need to make your holiday baking memorable. Packed with chocolate chips, colorful M&M’s, and rainbow sprinkles, these bars are the epitome of festive joy. This easy-to-make treat is bound to be a hit at family gatherings, holiday parties, and even as a thoughtful homemade gift for loved ones.
The Origins of Christmas Cookie Bars
When it comes to holiday baking, cookies are king. However, sometimes you don’t have time to shape dough into individual cookies, or you simply want a fuss-free option that still delivers that “wow” factor. That’s where cookie bars come in. By combining all the deliciousness of a traditional cookie into a simple bar form, you get the same great flavors, with less mess and less time spent in the kitchen.
Christmas Cookie Bars are inspired by the classic flavors of the holiday season—rich chocolate chips, bright M&M’s, and festive sprinkles. This easy recipe has become a family favorite and a go-to treat for those looking to spread holiday cheer without the stress of intricate baking. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, going to a cookie exchange, or just looking for a way to make the season even sweeter, these cookie bars are the answer.
Why These Christmas Cookie Bars Are the Best
1. Quick and Easy to Make
Holiday baking often gets complicated with long ingredient lists and steps that require constant attention. This recipe, however, is as straightforward as it gets. With only a few basic ingredients (many of which you probably already have in your pantry), you can whip up a batch in under 40 minutes. The dough is simply stirred together, spread in a pan, and baked. No rolling, no shaping, and no chilling time—just delicious bars ready to enjoy.
2. Perfect for Large Groups
Cookie bars are ideal for serving large groups or taking to gatherings. Unlike traditional cookies that require individual portions, these bars can be cut into squares of any size, making it easy to serve a crowd. Whether you’re attending a potluck, holiday brunch, or a family dinner, these bars are sure to impress with their festive colors and flavor.
3. Customizable to Your Liking
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While the base calls for chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles, you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Add in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch, or use different types of M&M’s, such as peanut or almond, for a unique twist. For a slightly different flavor profile, try substituting the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe adaptable to all your holiday needs.
4. Kid-Friendly and Fun to Make Together
If you have young children or grandchildren, this is the perfect recipe to make together. The process of mixing the ingredients and adding in the colorful M&M’s and sprinkles will captivate kids and get them excited about baking. They’ll love stirring the dough and pressing the sprinkles into the bars before baking. Plus, they’ll be proud of their efforts when it’s time to enjoy these tasty treats. Christmas Cookie Bars are a great way to create lasting memories and traditions with your family.
5. No Special Equipment Needed
This recipe doesn’t require any special baking equipment. All you need is a 9×13-inch baking dish (which you likely already own), a mixing bowl, and a spoon or spatula. No need for cookie sheets, rolling pins, or special molds—just basic kitchen tools that make it easy to bake with minimal effort. This is the perfect recipe for busy bakers who still want to create something delicious and impressive.
Benefits of This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
1. Great for Gifting
Homemade treats make the best holiday gifts, and these Christmas Cookie Bars are a wonderful option for anyone looking to share a delicious, personal gift. Once they’ve cooled and been cut into squares, you can package them in festive gift bags or boxes, perfect for handing out to neighbors, coworkers, or friends. Add a bow and a personalized tag, and you’ve got a gift that’s sure to be appreciated. These bars are a simple yet thoughtful way to spread the holiday spirit.
2. Make Ahead for Stress-Free Holidays
Holidays can be hectic, but this recipe allows you to get ahead of the game. You can easily make these Christmas Cookie Bars a day or two in advance, store them in an airtight container, and have them ready to serve when the time comes. They stay fresh for several days, making them perfect for a stress-free holiday baking experience. Whether you’re preparing for a party or want to have treats on hand for unexpected guests, these bars are ideal for prepping in advance.
3. A Perfect Balance of Sweetness
If you love dessert but prefer something that’s not too overwhelming, these Christmas Cookie Bars strike the right balance. The combination of cake mix and chocolate chips creates a chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The M&M’s and sprinkles add a burst of color and extra sweetness without being too overpowering. They’re the perfect treat for anyone who enjoys sweet desserts without the heaviness of traditional cakes or pies.
Why These Bars Are Perfect for the Holidays
During the holiday season, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the endless choices of treats and desserts. But there’s something about a festive, colorful cookie bar that brings everything together. Whether you’re snacking after a day of holiday shopping, serving them as part of a holiday spread, or sharing them with friends and family, Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert.
They’re simple, vibrant, and full of flavors everyone loves. Chocolate chips and M&M’s are staples in many holiday baking traditions, and when combined with rainbow sprinkles, they make for a visually striking and irresistible treat. These bars not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a festive atmosphere to your home, making them an essential part of your holiday baking repertoire.
Tips for the Best Christmas Cookie Bars
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled, and it prevents them from sticking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the ingredients are combined, avoid overmixing. Overmixing the dough can lead to dense bars, so just stir until everything is incorporated.
- Watch the Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the bars as they bake. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Add a Dash of Spice: For a little extra holiday flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. It’ll give your cookie bars a subtle warm, spicy kick.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of festive fun and delicious flavor. With minimal ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, this recipe is ideal for busy bakers and those looking to make the most of the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these bars will become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions. So, grab your ingredients, turn on the holiday music, and get ready to enjoy the best cookie bars of the season!