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These M&M Christmas Cookie Bars instantly turn your kitchen into a festive spot. They're soft, just a bit gooey, and packed with red and green M&Ms, chocolate bits, and loads of bright sprinkles. Every bite feels nostalgic and, honestly, they’re my favorite treat on the holiday snack tray each year.
When I first tried this one, it was a gloomy, wet December day. Baking and snacking on these colorful bars totally boosted the mood at home. Now, these are on my must-make list every holiday season.
Ingredients
- Sprinkles: Bright sprinkles in Christmasy colors deliver a crunchy, colorful finish—grab the sweetest ones you can find
- M&Ms in holiday colors: Makes each bar pop—use fresh ones for that perfect crunch
- Mini chocolate chips: Extra-chocolate flavor and melty goodness—pick dark chocolate if you can
- Salt: Brings out the sweetness and chocolate taste
- Baking soda: Makes them rise just right—fresh baking soda is important
- All-purpose flour (Type 405): Keeps bars tender and helps them hold together—use fresh flour if possible
- Vanilla: Adds a warm background flavor—go for high-quality extract
- Egg: Holds things together and keeps everything light—fresh eggs only
- Brown sugar: Gives that caramelly touch—make sure it’s soft and not dry
- Sugar: For all the sweetness and a softer crumb—use regular white sugar
- Butter: Brings moisture and flavor—use unsalted if you’ve got it
Simple step-by-step
- Slice into bars:
- Once they’re set, gently pull them out of the pan. Use a pizza cutter or a big knife to cut even bars. If you want neater edges, you can trim the sides first.
- Bake and let 'em cool:
- Bake in a hot oven until the edges turn gold and the middle is just set. It might look a bit soft when you pull it—but that’s the sweet spot. Let 'em cool down so you can slice easily later.
- Spread in your pan and make them look festive:
- Line a rectangle pan with parchment. Put the dough in and smooth it out. Sprinkle on leftover M&Ms and sprinkles to make them really pop and add a little crunch.
- Mix in chocolate, M&Ms, and sprinkles:
- Carefully fold in mini chocolate chips, about a quarter of the M&Ms, and some sprinkles. Don’t overmix or the colors might run.
- Add the dry stuff:
- Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to your wet mix and stir it in—but not too much, or the bars might go tough.
- Add egg and vanilla:
- Stir in the egg and vanilla just until it all comes together. This bit helps make things fluffy and soft.
- Cream butter and sugars together:
- In a big bowl, blend melted butter with both sugars using a fork till smooth and silky. Doing it this way stops any sugar crunch in the final bar.
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Good stuff to know
You can easily chop up these bars right on the tray for grab-and-go pieces. They’re a last-minute hero for guests or birthday parties. Keep them airtight, and they stay soft for days. My favorite bits are those crunchy M&Ms in every bite. When I was a kid, we’d pick out the colorful ones on Christmas Eve. Now, I love how the smell of melting chocolate and cookies gets everyone excited even before they’re done baking.
Keeping them fresh
These bars last about 2-3 days at room temperature if you stash them in a tin with the lid tight. Honestly, they taste even better if you bake them the day before. Want them extra chewy? Chill them in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze single bars wrapped in sandwich paper.
Swapping stuff out
If you want, swap in coconut sugar for brown sugar. For an even cozier holiday vibe, add walnuts or some cinnamon. Not into chocolate chips? Go with chunks of white chocolate instead—they work just as well.
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How to serve it up
These are awesome with coffee, cocoa, or even kids’ punch. Try them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or stack them up on the cookie tray—everyone’s gonna want some, so plan for extras.
A bit about their story
M&M cookies have been a classic in the USA for ages. In Germany, they’re catching on as a holiday must-have. People get creative with colors and ideas, helping kids and grownups wait for Santa in the sweetest way.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What's the best way to keep M&M holiday bars fresh?
Once the bars cool, just pop them in any airtight container at room temp. They'll stay soft and tasty for days.
- → Can I use different types of M&Ms or sprinkles?
Yep, grab any M&Ms and sprinkles you like to mix up the color and flavor just how you want.
- → Could I swap butter for margarine?
Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine works too. The bars might feel a bit different, but they'll still be soft.
- → Are these cookie bars freezer-friendly?
They freeze great. Let them cool, toss them in a freezer bag, and defrost at room temp before serving.
- → How do I stop the edges from turning hard?
Only bake until the edges look lightly golden and the middle's still soft. Take them out sooner—don't let them go too long in the oven.