Christmas Cookie Bars
The holidays are a time for sharing delicious sweets, and nothing says Christmas quite like the cheerful combination of red and green candies, holiday sprinkles, and the buttery, chewy goodness of cookie bars. These **Christmas Cookie Bars** are the perfect dessert to make your holiday season even sweeter. Whether you’re baking with family, bringing treats to a holiday party, or just indulging in the festive spirit, these bars are bound to be a hit. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re easy to make and full of holiday cheer.
Yield: 12
Materials
For the Cookie Bars:
- - **1/2 cup unsalted butter melted**: Provides richness and moisture.
- - **1 cup light brown sugar packed**: Adds sweetness and gives a soft texture.
- - **1 large egg**: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- - **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: Adds a subtle warm flavor.
- - **1/4 teaspoon salt**: Balances the sweetness.
- - **1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour**: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
- - **1/2 teaspoon baking powder**: Helps the bars rise slightly.
- - **1/4 teaspoon baking soda**: Ensures the bars have a light airy texture.
- - **1 cup red and green M&M’s**: Festive candies that add crunch and color.
- - **1/2 cup white chocolate chips**: Creamy and sweet they pair well with the M&M’s.
- - **1/4 cup holiday sprinkles**: For an extra festive touch and fun texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Prepare a **9x9-inch baking dish** by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they’re baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the **melted butter** and **light brown sugar** until smooth and fully combined. Add the **egg** and **vanilla extract**, continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tougher cookie bars.
Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins
- Once the dough is ready, fold in the **red and green M&M’s**, **white chocolate chips**, and **holiday sprinkles**. Stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving the bars a colorful, festive appearance.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place the dish in the oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can become dry.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the **Christmas Cookie Bars** to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares. This will ensure that they hold their shape and are easy to cut. Once cool, slice into **12 bars** and enjoy!