Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Christmas cookie bars deliver everything you love about classic holiday cookies but in a quicker, simpler, and more crowd-friendly format. Instead of shaping individual cookies, you bake one festive tray, slice, and serve. These bars combine buttery richness with seasonal flavours like vanilla, white chocolate, and holiday sprinkles. They are soft in the centre, lightly crisp at the edges, and visually cheerful—perfect for parties, dessert platters, or gifting.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is how reliably it turns out; even when I substituted brown sugar for part of the granulated sugar, the bars came out wonderfully chewy and flavorful. Their versatility also allows you to customise with peppermint chips, dried cranberries, nuts, or your favourite chocolate. Whether you are baking with children, preparing treats for neighbours, or planning a cosy movie night, these cookie bars are a festive, dependable choice that everyone will enjoy.
Print
Best Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe: A Festive Treat for Holiday Celebrations
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 20–24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, festive Christmas cookie bars loaded with chocolate chips, holiday M&M’s, and sprinkles—an easy crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for holiday parties.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Top with extra M&M’s or sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 22–28 minutes or until golden around the edges and set in the middle.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Add white chocolate chips for extra festive color.
- Chill bars before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Forms the structural base of the bars and keeps them tender yet sturdy enough to cut cleanly.
Baking powder
Adds lift so the bars bake up soft and slightly cakey rather than dense.
Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavours of the chocolate and vanilla.
Butter
Creates a rich flavour and a soft, chewy texture. Melted butter results in a denser, fudgier bar.
Granulated sugar
Adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect golden top.
Brown sugar
Provides moisture and chewiness, and contributes warm, caramel-like notes.
Eggs
Bind the ingredients and give the bars structure while keeping them moist.
Vanilla extract
Adds aromatic sweetness that defines classic holiday cookie flavour.
White chocolate chips
Offer creamy bursts of sweetness throughout the bars.
Holiday sprinkles
Give the bars a festive appearance and add a joyful crunch.
Optional add-ins
Peppermint chips, cranberries, dark chocolate chips, or nuts can enhance the bars for unique holiday variations.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix, as this ensures a soft and tender texture. Gently stir in the white chocolate chips and sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake until the top is lightly golden and the centre is set. Cool the bars completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing. This resting period helps them firm up and slice beautifully without crumbling. These bars deliver a perfect blend of sweetness, chewiness, and holiday flair.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 16 cookie bars.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Refrigeration extends freshness to one week. Freeze for up to three months, separating layers with parchment. To enjoy warm, heat a bar in the microwave for a few seconds until just softened.
Variations and Customizations
Peppermint Bark Cookie Bars
Add crushed peppermint candies and dark chocolate chips for a cool, festive twist.
Cranberry White Chocolate Bars
Fold in dried cranberries for a tart, colourful contrast.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Add molasses and warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
M&M Christmas Bars
Use red and green chocolate candies for a fun, colourful version.
Almond Extract Twist
Replace part of the vanilla with almond extract for a bakery-style aroma.
Nutty Holiday Bars
Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and depth.
Chocolate Swirl Bars
Marble melted chocolate into the batter before baking.
Toffee Crunch Bars
Add toffee bits for a caramelised edge and extra chewiness.
Sprinkle Explosion Bars
Double the sprinkles for a vibrant, party-ready effect.
Coconut Christmas Bars
Fold in shredded coconut for a snowy, tropical hint.
FAQs
Can I use a smaller baking pan?
Yes, but expect thicker bars and a longer baking time.
Why are my bars too dry?
They were likely overbaked; remove them when the centre is just set.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a high-quality gluten-free baking flour blend.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You may reduce it slightly, though texture and moisture may change.
Do the sprinkles melt in the oven?
Most holiday sprinkles hold their shape; avoid nonpareils, which can bleed.
Can I mix the batter using a mixer?
You can, but mix on low to avoid overworking the dough.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
Melted butter results in chewier bars; softened butter creates a fluffier texture.
Can these bars be made ahead?
Yes, they taste even better the next day as flavours settle.
How do I get clean slices?
Cool the bars completely and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts.
Can I add frosting?
Yes, a light vanilla or peppermint frosting works beautifully.
Conclusion
These Christmas cookie bars offer everything you love about holiday baking in a simple, reliable, and crowd-pleasing format. With their buttery base, festive colours, and endless customisation options, they are ideal for entertaining or gifting. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore one of the many variations, this recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal baking traditions.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!