Imagine golden-brown cookie bars, studded with festive M&Ms and rich chocolate chips. These M&M Christmas Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat: easy to make and even easier to devour.
Inspired by classic cookie bar recipes, this version is adapted for maximum flavor and festive cheer. Looking for more festive treats? Try our Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars.
Get ready to bake up a batch of these foolproof bars. I’ll guide you through each step for cookie perfection.
Quick Overview: Making Your M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
Want a super quick look at how to make these M&M Christmas Cookie Bars? Here’s a handy overview to get you started!
Key Facts:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
- Whisk dry ingredients, then combine with wet.
- Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) until golden.
- Cool, lift from pan, and cut into squares.
Ready for all the details? Keep reading for the full recipe!
Why This Recipe Works: Mastering the Perfect Texture
Ever wonder why some cookie bars are tough and others are just right? The secret lies in understanding how each ingredient interacts to create that perfect chewy, soft, and slightly crisp texture we all crave.
Butter is essential. It provides flavor and tenderness. For these bars, we’re using melted butter, which contributes to a chewier texture. Just be sure to cool it slightly before mixing, about 5 minutes, so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
The type of sugar also plays a key role. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar contributes to the crispness. The balance between the two is crucial for achieving the ideal texture. Too much granulated sugar, and the bars will be too crisp; too much brown sugar, and they’ll be overly soft and cakey.
The ratio of wet to dry ingredients is another critical factor. Too much flour, and the bars will be dry and crumbly. Not enough, and they’ll be greasy. Measuring the flour accurately, using the spoon and level method, is key to success. And the addition of cornstarch helps to create a softer, more tender crumb.
Pro-Tip: Don’t overbake the bars! They should be lightly browned on the sides and top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. They will continue to set up as they cool.
Understanding these elements will help you bake the perfect M&M Christmas cookie bars every time. Next, we will explore all the ingredients you will need to make these bars.
What You’ll Need to Make These Festive Cookie Bars
Let’s gather everything you need to bake these delightful M&M Christmas cookie bars. Having all your ingredients prepped and measured ensures a smooth baking process and helps to achieve the best possible results.
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 and 3/4 cups of flour provide the structure for the cookie bars.
- Cornstarch: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch help to create a softer, more tender crumb.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon of baking soda gives the bars a bit of lift and a chewy texture.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup of melted and slightly cooled butter adds richness and flavor.
- Packed light or dark brown sugar: 1 cup of brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup of granulated sugar sweetens the bars and contributes to their crisp edges.
- Large eggs: 2 large eggs at room temperature bind the ingredients together.
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
- Mini or regular-size M&Ms: 1 and 1/4 cups of M&Ms add festive color and chocolatey goodness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 3/4 cup of chocolate chips provides an extra layer of chocolate flavor.
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making these irresistible cookie bars!
Step-by-Step: How to Make the BEST M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
Ready to get baking? Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create the most delicious M&M Christmas cookie bars you’ve ever tasted. Each step is designed for clarity, ensuring baking success, even if you’re new to baking.
1. Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Position the oven rack in the center. This ensures even baking.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 and 3/4 cups (343g) of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and cornstarch are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) of melted and slightly cooled butter, 1 cup (200g) of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar until smooth. Make sure there are no brown sugar lumps. Then, whisk in 2 large eggs (at room temperature) and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Bring it All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a large spoon or silicone spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
Fold in 1 and 1/4 cups (about 260g) of M&Ms and 3/4 cup (135g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough for the perfect bite.
5. Bake Until Golden
Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, and press it into an even layer. Bake for 28 minutes. The bars are ready when lightly browned on the sides and top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Pro-Tip: Avoid overbaking; slightly underbaked bars are chewier!
6. Cool and Cut into Squares
Allow the bars to cool in the pan, set on a wire rack, for at least one hour. This step is crucial; it allows the bars to set properly for easier cutting. Then, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil or parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have amazing M&M Christmas cookie bars that everyone will love. Next, let’s explore some expert tips to make these bars even more perfect.
Expert Tips for Perfect M&M Cookie Bars
Want to take your M&M cookie bars to the next level? Here are some expert tips to ensure baking success. These tips build upon the foundation established in the recipe and address common pitfalls.
Tip: Make sure your butter is melted and slightly cooled. If the butter is too hot, it can cause the bars to be greasy. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before mixing it with the sugars.
Accurate measurement is key. Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly bars. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaking the bars will keep them soft and chewy. The edges should be lightly golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs. The 28 minutes is generally perfect.
Pro-Tip: For even more festive bars, reserve some M&Ms and chocolate chips to press into the top of the dough before baking. This ensures a colorful and appealing presentation.
With these tips in mind, you are sure to bake some perfect M&M cookie bars every time. Next, let’s explore some fun ways to customize your bars.
M&M Cookie Bar Variations: Customizing Your Holiday Treat
Want to put a unique spin on your M&M cookie bars? The possibilities are endless. With a few simple swaps and additions, you can create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Consider these fun and delicious options:
- M&M Varieties: Use different types of M&Ms to match the holiday or your personal preference. Mini M&Ms create a more uniform distribution, while seasonal colors add extra festive flair.
- Chocolate Chips: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate chips offer a classic sweetness, while dark chocolate chips add a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate chips can create a delightful contrast.
- Mix-ins: Add other mix-ins like sprinkles for extra color and fun, chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor, or other candies for a unique twist.
When incorporating extra mix-ins, you may need to slightly adjust the baking time. Keep a close eye on the bars and bake until they are lightly browned on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Ready to tackle any baking challenge? The next section offers solutions to common problems.
Troubleshooting M&M Cookie Bar Issues: How to Avoid Common Baking Fails
Even the best recipes can sometimes go awry. If your M&M cookie bars didn’t turn out as expected, don’t worry! Let’s troubleshoot some common issues and get you back on track to baking perfection.
Many bakers write in saying their bars were a “Worst ever…oily, greasy, never set up.” Here are some tips to avoid this.
One of the most common culprits behind oily or greasy cookie bars is inaccurate measuring, particularly with flour. Too little flour can throw off the entire balance of wet and dry ingredients.
Use the spoon and level method to ensure you’re using the correct amount. This will ensure the bars have the right structure and don’t become overly greasy.
Allowing the melted butter to cool slightly before mixing it with the sugars is crucial. If the butter is too hot, it can melt the sugar and create an oily mixture that prevents the bars from setting up properly.
Your cookie bars are ready when the edges are lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid over-baking, which can lead to dry and crumbly bars.
By addressing these potential pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to creating irresistible M&M cookie bars every time. Now let’s get to some expert tips to guarantee success.
Can these be frozen?
Yes! Wrap the cooled cookie bars tightly in foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can I use parchment paper instead of foil?
Yes, you can. However, I prefer foil for this recipe because the cookie dough is thick, and the foil feels stronger when lifting the bars out for cutting.
What kind of flour is best for M&M cookies?
All-purpose flour is the best choice for these M&M cookie bars. For the most accurate results, use the scoop and level method when measuring the flour.
Did You Make This? Let Us Know!
We hope you love these M&M Christmas Cookie Bars! Now it’s your turn.
Leave a rating and comment below to share your experience and help other bakers create the perfect holiday treat. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Check out these other festive recipes: Christmas Crack Saltine Toffee, Candy Cane Cookies, and Slice and Bake Sugar Cookies. Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more holiday inspiration!
M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- silicone spatula
- Baking pan
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch helps to create a softer, more tender crumb
- 1 teaspoon baking soda gives the bars a bit of lift and a chewy texture
- 1/2 teaspoon salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients
Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a hint of molasses flavor
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar sweetens the bars and contributes to their crisp edges
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor
- 1 1/4 cups M&Ms mini or regular-size, add festive color and chocolatey goodness
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips provides an extra layer of chocolate flavor
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Position the oven rack in the center. This ensures even baking.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 and 3/4 cups (343g) of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and cornstarch are evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) of melted and slightly cooled butter, 1 cup (200g) of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar until smooth. Make sure there are no brown sugar lumps. Then, whisk in 2 large eggs (at room temperature) and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until well combined.
Bring it All Together
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a large spoon or silicone spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars.
- Fold in 1 and 1/4 cups (about 260g) of M&Ms and 3/4 cup (135g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough for the perfect bite.
Bake Until Golden
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan, and press it into an even layer. Bake for 28 minutes. The bars are ready when lightly browned on the sides and top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Cut into Squares
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan, set on a wire rack, for at least one hour. This step is crucial; it allows the bars to set properly for easier cutting. Then, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil or parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.