Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate festive treat that combines the best of cookies and bars, look no further—this Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe promises to deliver all the holiday magic in every bite. Imagine a chewy, buttery base brimming with vibrant red, green, and brown M&Ms alongside rich milk chocolate chips, all wrapped up in warm cinnamon and vanilla aromas. This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for sharing during the holidays, and it will quickly become your go-to recipe for spreading Christmas cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe. Each one plays its part, from the warming spice of cinnamon to the colorful, festive M&Ms that make these bars truly come alive.
- 275 g plain flour: Provides the soft, chewy structure that holds everything together just right.
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda: Helps the bars rise slightly, keeping them tender.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornflour: Adds a delicate lightness and softness to the texture.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Infuses a subtle festive warmth, perfect for the season.
- 115 g unsalted butter: The rich, creamy base that makes everything melt-in-your-mouth.
- 55 g granulated sugar: Gives a touch of sweet crunch and helps caramelize the edges.
- 135 g light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely hint of toffee-like flavor.
- 1 medium egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- 200 g red/green/brown M&Ms: Brings vibrant Christmas colors and a satisfying candy crunch.
- 150 g milk chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 190C (or 170C fan) so it’s perfectly hot by the time your bars are ready to bake. Line a 9×9 inch square tin with parchment paper—this makes sure your bars won’t stick and will come out cleanly every time. Setting this up early helps things flow smoothly once you start mixing.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cornflour, and cinnamon. Mixing them evenly ensures the cinnamon’s warmth is sprinkled beautifully throughout the dough and the leavening agents are well distributed for that perfect texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a larger bowl, melt the butter gently and add both the granulated and light brown sugars. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the sugar starts to dissolve, and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This step is crucial because it impacts the chewiness and sweetness of your bars. Then stir in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is silky and combined.
Step 4: Build the Cookie Dough
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until you achieve a thick cookie dough. Be sure to reserve a handful of those festive M&Ms for sprinkling on top later. Mix in the majority of the red, green, and brown M&Ms along with all the milk chocolate chips for bursts of color and melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Press the dough evenly into your prepared tin and then press the leftover handful of M&Ms into the surface to create a festive, decorative top layer. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know your bars are done when the top looks dry and slightly golden but still soft to the touch—this keeps them perfectly chewy inside.
Step 6: Cooling and Cutting
Once baked, allow your Christmas Cookie Bar Bake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut into squares; 4×4 for generous pieces or 5×5 if you want smaller, snack-sized treats. These bars keep well and taste even better as the flavors settle!
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your bars by sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or adding a drizzle of white chocolate to create a snowy effect that fits perfectly with the holiday theme. You could also add a few festive sprinkles or edible glitter for that extra sparkle when sharing with friends and family.
Side Dishes
These bars shine on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or alongside a steaming cup of rich hot cocoa. For brunch or holiday parties, serve with fresh fruit slices or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness and add freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Set these bars out on a festive platter lined with holly leaves or Christmas-themed napkins. For gifting, wrap a stack in parchment paper tied with a red ribbon for a charming homemade present. If you want to add a personal touch, include a handwritten recipe card with your Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe so your loved ones can recreate the joy at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them chewy and moist, making it easy to grab a festive snack whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in cling film and then placed in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and they’ll taste as fresh as the day you baked them.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your bars warm, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat gently in an oven preheated to 150C for 5 minutes. Warm bars release that melty chocolate wonder and enhance the cozy cinnamon scent.
FAQs
Can I substitute the M&Ms with other candies?
Absolutely! While the red, green, and brown M&Ms bring festive colors and crunch, you can swap them for your favorite chocolates, crushed peppermint candies, or even dried cranberries to add your own twist.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Milk chocolate chips are classic for this recipe because they melt smoothly and complement the sweetness wonderfully. However, dark or white chocolate chips can be great alternatives depending on your taste preferences.
How do I ensure the bars are chewy and not crunchy?
The key is not to overbake them. Remove the bars when the top looks just dry but still soft, and allow them to cool completely—that’s when they become perfectly chewy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly but the flavors will still be incredible.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead for a holiday party?
Definitely. The Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe is fantastic for preparing in advance since the bars keep well and taste great at room temperature, making party prep stress-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warmth and joy packed into this Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe. Easy to make and even easier to share, it’s a delightful way to bring festive spirit into your kitchen and onto your table. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll find it’s a holiday favorite that everyone asks for year after year!
Print
Christmas Cookie Bar Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Cookie Bars, a deliciously soft and chewy treat loaded with colorful Christmas M&Ms and milk chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are quick to prepare and bake, bringing a nostalgic cookie flavor in an easy-to-serve bar form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 275 g plain flour
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 115 g unsalted butter
- 55 g granulated sugar
- 135 g light brown sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 200 g red, green, and brown Christmas M&Ms (divided)
- 150 g milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Line a 9×9 inch square baking tin with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the plain flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cornflour, and cinnamon in a bowl until evenly distributed. Set aside.
- Melt butter and mix sugars: In a larger bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add granulated sugar and light brown sugar, whisking for about 2 minutes until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture is smooth. Use an electric whisk if available.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add the medium egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk briefly until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients and add mix-ins: Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients along with all but a handful of the Christmas M&Ms and all the milk chocolate chips. Using a spatula, mix carefully until a thick cookie dough forms.
- Shape and decorate: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking tin. Press the reserved handful of Christmas M&Ms into the top of the dough for festive decoration.
- Bake the bars: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top looks dry but the bars remain soft inside.
- Cool and cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 4×4 large bars or 5×5 smaller bars according to preference. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from the tin.
- Do not overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- For extra festive flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries.
- The recipe can be doubled for a larger batch; use a bigger baking tray and adjust baking time accordingly.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
