Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The smell of warm cookies wafting through the house, the laughter of loved ones gathered in the kitchen, and the festive spirit that fills the air—it truly lights up my heart! One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up is these Christmas MM cookie bars. They’re not just any cookie bars; they’re loaded with colorful Christmas M&M’s that bring a joyful pop of color and sweetness to every bite. I remember the first time I made these bars for my family’s holiday party. My niece couldn’t stop sneaking bites before they even cooled down! Trust me, you’ll want to have a batch of these on hand for any holiday gathering, or just to enjoy with a cozy cup of cocoa while watching your favorite holiday movie. Plus, they’re super simple to make, which means more time for you to enjoy the festivities! So, let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare *Christmas MM Cookie Bars*
Alright, let’s get those ovens preheating and dive into making these delightful Christmas MM cookie bars! I promise, the process is as fun as the end result is tasty. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of holiday cheer ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. I love using a hand mixer for this, but a wooden spoon works just fine too! It should be light and fluffy in texture.
- Next, add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. You want it to be smooth and luscious—trust me, it makes a difference!
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step is super important, as it helps incorporate the dry ingredients evenly into the mix.
- Now, it’s time to gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition. It keeps everything from getting too tough and ensures a wonderfully soft cookie bar!
- Once everything is combined, fold in 1 cup of those festive Christmas M&M’s and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens! The colors and chocolate will make your bars look so inviting.
- Spread the batter into a greased baking pan (a 9×13 inch pan works perfectly) and make sure it’s evenly distributed. This helps with even baking!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Once they’re out of the oven, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—though I know it’s hard to resist the warm, gooey goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously rich and chewy with a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Loaded with festive Christmas M&M’s that add a pop of color and fun!
- So easy to make—no rolling or shaping required, just mix and bake!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, or as a cozy treat at home while watching movies.
- Great for sharing with friends and family; everyone will be coming back for seconds!
- Customizable—substitute M&M’s with your favorite candies or add nuts for an extra crunch!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your Christmas MM cookie bars turn out perfectly every single time! Here are my top tips to help you avoid any common pitfalls and achieve that delicious, chewy texture we all crave.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together beautifully and creates a smoother batter!
- Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your bars while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 25-minute mark. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let them cool: Resist the temptation to cut into them right away! Letting the bars cool in the pan for a bit helps them set up nicely, making them easier to slice and enjoy.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap out the Christmas M&M’s for other festive candies, or toss in some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. The possibilities are endless!
- Store properly: Keep your bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge if you like them a bit firmer.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking the best Christmas MM cookie bars that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying treats like Christmas MM cookie bars, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one delicious bar:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. So, feel free to enjoy these festive bars in moderation and share them with family and friends for the ultimate holiday cheer!
FAQ Section
Can I make Christmas MM cookie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for your holiday gatherings.
What can I substitute for the Christmas M&M’s?
You can definitely use other types of M&M’s or even mix in your favorite candies like Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or seasonal candies. Get creative and make them your own!
How do I store leftover bars?
To keep your Christmas MM cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them or even freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I use different types of flour?
While I recommend all-purpose flour for the best texture, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just make sure it’s a blend that works well for baking!
Why are my bars too crumbly?
If your bars are crumbly, it might be due to too much flour or not enough butter. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and follow the steps closely. A little extra butter can help with moisture if needed!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed a few of those delightful Christmas MM cookie bars, you’ll want to know how to store the leftovers to keep them fresh! Here’s the scoop on making sure they stay delicious for days to come.
- Storing: Once your bars are completely cool, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 4-5 days. If you’re looking to keep them even longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date so you don’t forget about them!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bars, simply take out what you need and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer them warm, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them—nobody wants a hot mess instead of a gooey treat!
With these storage tips, you can savor the joy of your Christmas MM cookie bars even after the holiday festivities have wrapped up. Enjoy every last crumb!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious Christmas MM cookie bars ready to go, it’s time to think about how to serve them up for maximum enjoyment! These bars are perfect on their own, but pairing them with some festive treats and beverages can really elevate your holiday experience.
- Hot Cocoa: You can’t go wrong with a warm cup of rich hot chocolate! The sweet and creamy flavors complement the chewy texture of the bars beautifully. Top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra special touch!
- Eggnog: For a classic holiday drink, serve your cookie bars with a chilled glass of eggnog. The creamy, spiced flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet, chocolatey goodness of the bars.
- Milk: Sometimes, you just can’t beat a simple glass of cold milk. Whether it’s regular, chocolate, or even a non-dairy option, it’s a nostalgic pairing that everyone loves!
- Fruit Platter: Balance out the sweetness with a colorful fruit platter! Fresh berries, sliced apples, or citrus fruits can add a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie bars.
- Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream on top. The melting ice cream with the warm cookie bar is pure bliss!
- Other Holiday Treats: Consider adding a few other festive goodies to your dessert spread, like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or a slice of pumpkin pie. It creates a delightful dessert table that’s sure to impress your guests!
With these serving suggestions, your Christmas MM cookie bars will be the star of the show at any holiday gathering. Enjoy the flavors, share the joy, and create sweet memories with every bite!
Print
Delicious Christmas MM Cookie Bars for Cozy Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas MM cookie bars with a festive twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Fold in M&M’s and chocolate chips.
- Spread batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Can substitute M&M’s with other candies.
- For extra flavor, add nuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas mm cookie bars, holiday dessert, cookie bars, festive treats