A Holiday Treat Like No Other

Christmas Cookie Bars You’ll Love: Easy, Festive, and Delicious Ideas

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A Sweet Holiday Hug in Every Bite

Let’s talk about these Christmas cookie bars—because honestly, they’re about to become your new holiday obsession. Think gooey caramel, crunchy pretzels, and festive red-and-green M&Ms packed into soft, chewy bars that feel like Christmas gave you a bear hug. These aren’t just desserts; they’re the star of cookie platters, the hero of holiday parties, and your sidekick for late-night gift wrapping sessions.

Now, if the idea of rolling out cookie dough makes you groan (relatable), you’re in luck. These holiday cookie bars skip the dough-scooping drama entirely. One pan, one bake, one way ticket to holiday magic. And the best part? They’re so simple, even if your baking skills are, let’s say, “a work in progress,” you’ll still pull these off like a pro.

Whether you’re prepping for a cookie exchange, setting up a dessert spread, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars bring the festive vibes without the fuss. So, grab your apron, and let’s make something delicious!

Table of contents

Christmas Cookie Bars You’ll Love

1. Ridiculously Easy to Make

No scooping, rolling, or cutting dough into adorable (but time-consuming) shapes. Just press the dough into a pan, bake, slice, and boom—you’re done. More time for sipping cocoa and belting out Mariah Carey.

2. Festive and Pretty

The colorful M&Ms make these bars scream holiday cheer without you lifting a frosting tube. They’re like tiny Christmas ornaments baked into every square. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just flexing your baking skills on Instagram.

3. A Flavor Party in Every Bite

Imagine biting into soft, buttery dough loaded with melty chocolate, gooey caramel, and the salty crunch of pretzels. These bars nail that sweet-and-salty combo, so there’s something for everyone—chocolate lovers, caramel addicts, and crunch enthusiasts alike.

4. Endlessly Customizable

Got a creative streak? Toss in white chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or dried cranberries. Not into pretzels? Swap them for pecans or walnuts. These bars are your edible canvas, so go wild.

5. Perfect for Gifting

Pack these beauties into a festive tin or wrap them up with a holiday bow, and you’ve got a homemade gift that’ll outshine any store-bought fruitcake. (Seriously, no one wants the fruitcake.)

What You’ll Need

Here’s the shopping list for your new favorite festive cookie bars:

Crushed Pretzels: For crunch and a touch of salt.

Butter: The base for all good things in life.

Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Because cookies should be sweet and a little caramel-y.

Eggs: To hold everything together.

Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, cozy flavor.

Flour: The foundation of the bars.

Baking Soda: Helps things rise.

Salt: To balance the sweetness.

Red and Green M&Ms: The festive MVPs.

Caramel Bits: For gooey goodness.

Crushed Pretzels: For crunch and a touch of salt.

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. (Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when cleanup takes two seconds.)
  2. Make the Dough: Beat butter and sugars together until fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  3. Add the Magic: Fold in M&Ms, caramel bits, and crushed pretzels. Try not to eat all the mix-ins before they make it into the dough.
  4. Press and Bake: Spread the dough evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
  5. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Or triangles. Or whatever shape screams “holiday fun” to you.
Ingredients for Christmas cookie bars including flour, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and caramel bits arranged neatly on a rustic table.
  • Don’t Overbake: Pull them out when the edges are golden but the center looks just slightly underdone. They’ll set as they cool, staying soft and chewy.
  • Use a Sharp Knife: For clean edges, slice the bars with a sharp knife after they’ve cooled. Pro tip: Wipe the blade between cuts for Instagram-worthy squares.
  • Double the Batch: These disappear fast, so you might as well make two pans.

Creative Variations

Feeling fancy? Try these twists:

  • Peppermint Bliss: Add crushed candy canes for a minty kick.
  • S’mores Style: Toss in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
  • Nutty Delight: Sub pretzels for pecans, walnuts, or almonds.

Serving Ideas

Movie Night Treat: Grab a square (or three) for cozying up with your favorite holiday flick.

Cookie Platter Star: Stack them on a festive plate with other holiday cookies.

Dessert Board Fave: Pair with hot cocoa, candy canes, and a sprinkle of holiday joy.

Pair with Drinks: Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or even a festive cocktail like a Christmas Cosmo (see our recipe here).

How to Store and Freeze

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week. (If they last that long.)
  • Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp when you’re ready to snack.

FAQs

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of holiday ones?

Absolutely. They’ll taste the same, but you’ll miss that festive pop of color.

Do I have to use caramel bits?

Nope! Swap them for chocolate chips, toffee bits, or skip them altogether.

Conclusion: A Bite of Holiday Magic

There you have it—Christmas cookie bars that are easy, festive, and downright irresistible. They’re the kind of treat that makes you look like you’ve got it all together this holiday season, even if you’re still wrapping presents at 2 a.m. So, whip up a batch (or two), share the love, and savor the sweetest part of the season. 🎄

For more festive recipes, don’t miss our Festive and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or Holiday Dessert Ideas with Gooey Caramel and Chocolate.