BIG CHRISTMAS M&M COOKIE BARS RECIPE

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A festive, chewy, and buttery treat packed with colorful M&Ms and chocolate chips — perfect for cookie exchanges, parties, or holiday movie nights!

Introduction

Christmas M&M Cookie Bars are a holiday twist on classic cookie dough — baked into rich, soft bars that are easy to make and share. These bars combine the joy of Christmas colors with melt-in-your-mouth goodness, making them an instant family favorite.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Add-ins:

  • 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ cups (250g) Christmas-colored M&M’s (red and green)
  • Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra holiday cheer

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later.
  2. Cream the Butter & Sugars:
    In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  3. Add Eggs & Vanilla:
    Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Mix Together:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
  6. Add the Fun Stuff:
    Fold in chocolate chips and most of the M&Ms (reserve some for topping).
  7. Spread & Decorate:
    Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Press remaining M&Ms on top for decoration.
  8. Bake:
    Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until edges are golden and the center is just set. (They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.)
  9. Cool & Cut:
    Let cool completely in the pan. Then lift out with parchment and cut into squares or bars.

Variations

  • Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract.
  • Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • White Christmas: Use white chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.

Benefits

  • Easy to Make – No scooping individual cookies.
  • Perfect for Sharing – Cut into bars for parties or gifts.
  • Festive & Fun – Bright, cheerful M&Ms add instant holiday spirit!

History

Cookie bars originated as a simplified version of drop cookies — ideal for busy bakers during the holidays. The Christmas M&M variation became popular in the 1980s when colorful holiday candies hit the market, turning simple desserts into eye-catching treats.

For the Cookie Lovers

These bars are for those who love a soft, chewy texture with a crisp edge — a perfect mix of sugar, butter, and chocolate joy!

Nutrition (Per Bar, approx. 1 of 24)

  • Calories: 240
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbs: 33g
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Protein: 3g

Conclusion

These Christmas M&M Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday dessert — buttery, chewy, colorful, and incredibly festive. Bake a batch, wrap them in cellophane, and share the sweet joy of Christmas with everyone around you

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