Introduction
The holiday season is the perfect time to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats. These delightful Christmas Cookie Bars combine the buttery richness of a classic cookie with the festive pop of red and green M&M’s and the smooth sweetness of white chocolate. They’re not only easy to make but also a joy to share with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to spread some cheer, these bars will surely make your celebrations merry and bright!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup red and green M&M’s, plus extra for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookie bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring they’re well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bars tender.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the M&M’s until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently to create a smooth surface.
- Top the dough with extra M&M’s for a festive touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes or Tips
For an extra festive flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. It pairs beautifully with the white chocolate and creates a delightful aroma. You can also substitute the M&M’s with other colorful candies for a seasonal variation!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and sugars, make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture. Softened butter allows for better incorporation of air, giving your cookie bars a light and airy texture. Additionally, folding in the chocolate and candies rather than mixing can help retain their shape and add a pleasing burst of color in each bite.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?
This can happen if the dough is over-mixed or has too much flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and mix just until combined for the best texture.
Conclusion
These Christmas Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they’re a joyful addition to your holiday festivities. With their chewy texture, lovely bursts of color, and rich flavors, they’re sure to be a favorite among loved ones young and old. So bake a batch, gather around with family and friends, and relish the sweet moments of the season!