Easy Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Looking for a festive treat that’s as simple as it is delicious? These easy Christmas cookie bars are the answer! Based on my viral TikTok chocolate chip cookie bars, this holiday spin is packed with festive mix-ins like holiday M&M’s, caramel, pretzels, and sprinkles. They’re perfect for cookie platters, holiday parties, or a cozy night in with the family.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this Christmas cookie bars recipe is simple, fun, and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cookie Bars

Soft, Chewy, and Festive

If you’ve tried my kitchen sink cookie bars before, you’ll know what to expect: the perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie dough with a touch of crunch from the pretzels and gooey sweetness from the caramel. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweet and salty.

No Scooping, No Hassle

Bar cookies are a dream come true when you’re short on time. Skip the hassle of scooping individual cookies—just press the dough into a pan, bake, and slice.

Perfect for Sharing

Whether you cut these bars into 12, 24, or bite-sized pieces, they’re great for holiday cookie platters. With their festive red and green M&M’s, they’ll stand out on any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these best Christmas cookie bars:

• Unsalted Butter (¾ cup): Melted for that perfect chewy texture. Real butter only—no margarine.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup) & Granulated Sugar (½ cup): A combo for rich flavor and sweetness.
• Egg + Egg Yolk: Adds structure and chewiness.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A must for classic cookie flavor.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: The perfect leavening duo.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 – 2 ¼ cups): Start with 2 cups and add more if the dough is too runny.
• Mix-Ins (2 cups total):
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup)
  • Holiday M&M’s (½ cup)
  • Pretzels, broken (½ cup)
  • Soft caramels, chopped (½ cup)
  • Holiday sprinkles (2 tablespoons, optional)

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Mix-Ins

Chop your caramels into small pieces and gently break pretzels into bite-sized chunks. Set these aside with your chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles.

Tip: You can adjust the mix-ins to suit your preferences—white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or butterscotch chips are all great options.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13” pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
4. Stir in the baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour. Start with 2 cups, then add up to ¼ cup more if the dough feels too runny.

Step 3: Add Mix-Ins

Fold in your mix-ins: chocolate chips, M&M’s, pretzels, caramels, and sprinkles. Reserve a few for sprinkling on top.

Step 4: Press and Bake

1. Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Scatter the reserved mix-ins on top for a festive touch.
2. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking for gooey cookie bars.

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Cut

1. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
2. For cleaner cuts, chill the cooled bars in the freezer for 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or sticks.

Pro Tip: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for perfect edges.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars

• Cut into bite-sized squares: For a cookie platter, cut into 48 pieces—12 squares, then quarter each.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: For a bakery-style finish, add a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking.
• Customize for any holiday: Swap the red and green M&M’s for pastel ones at Easter or orange and black for Halloween.

FAQs: Holiday Cookie Bars

Q: Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: What’s the best caramel to use?
I recommend Kraft or Werther’s Soft Caramels. Avoid chewy versions, as they can harden when baked.

Q: Can I skip the caramel or pretzels?
Of course! The recipe is super flexible. Just keep the total mix-ins around 2 cups.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies: Easy Recipe
• The Ultimate Guide to Hot Cocoa Cookies
• Festive Everything Cookies

Make It Your Own

I can’t wait to see how you customize these Christmas cookie bars. Share your variations in the comments below or tag me on Instagram.

Pin this recipe for later so you’ll always have it on hand when holiday baking season arrives. Happy baking!

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