Buttery, golden, and loaded with festive flair, The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday indulgence. These chewy bars come together in under 30 minutes and burst with nostalgic joy.
Studded with red and green M&M’s, chopped caramels, pretzel crunch, and sprinkles, they’re an instant favorite for cookie platters and parties alike. Cut them into bite-sized squares for easy sharing.
Festive & Fun Ingredients in The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars
- Unsalted butter – Melted for a rich base that delivers soft, chewy texture and deep flavor.
- Light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note for that classic cookie taste.
- Granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and supports the cookie’s golden edges.
- Egg + egg yolk – The extra yolk brings added richness and an ultra-soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances every bite with warmth and bakery-style aroma.
- All-purpose flour – Just the right structure to hold all the gooey, chewy mix-ins together.
- Baking soda + baking powder – Light leavening to keep the bars soft but not cakey.
- Salt – Brightens sweetness and balances the mix-ins.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – A timeless choice for melty, chocolatey goodness.
- Holiday M&M’s – Red and green candies bring festive color and crunch.
- Pretzel pieces – A salty-sweet surprise that keeps every bite interesting.
- Chopped caramels – Gooey pockets of soft, buttery caramel melt into the dough.
- Holiday sprinkles – For that final touch of seasonal sparkle.
How to Make The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars
Start by melting butter and stirring in sugars until smooth and glossy. Whisk in the egg, yolk, and vanilla until well combined.
Fold in your leavening agents and salt, then gently mix in the flour until the dough pulls together. Now, it’s time for the fun part: the mix-ins. Stir in chocolate chips, M&M’s, pretzels, caramel bits, and sprinkles.
Press the dough into a greased or lined 9×13″ pan, smoothing the top. Add a few extra toppings for a picture-perfect finish. Bake at 350°F for 16–18 minutes, or until golden around the edges and just set in the center.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares—whether 12 big ones, 24 mediums, or 48 adorable bites.
Tips for Chewy, Crowd-Pleasing Christmas Bars
For perfectly chewy bars, make sure your butter is just melted—not hot. Overheated butter can make your bars greasy and affect the texture.
If your dough looks too runny after mixing, let it sit for 5 minutes to firm up. Only add extra flour if it still seems too loose.
Want to personalize your bars? Swap in white chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, crushed peppermint, or even chopped nuts. Anything goes in this festive base.
For ultra-pretty bars, gently press a few extra mix-ins onto the top before baking. It makes all the difference for those cookie platter close-ups.
Keeping Christmas Magic Fresh: Storage Tips
To keep your Christmas cookie bars soft and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you’re prepping ahead, freeze fully cooled bars in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving or warm briefly for a gooey, just-baked taste.
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup chewy caramels chopped (e.g., Kraft or Werther’s Soft)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles preferably jimmies
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter 1 ½ sticks, melted
- 1 large egg plus 1 additional yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour *see notes for consistency adjustments
- ½ cup red & green m&m’s
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup pretzels broken into pieces
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Finely chop the caramels, cutting each into smaller segments (e.g., eighths if using Kraft).
- In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, gently melt the butter for 20–30 seconds, ensuring it is melted but not hot to the touch. Allow it to cool slightly if it steams.
- Combine the light brown and granulated sugars with the melted butter using a spatula. Stir in the egg, additional yolk, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Sprinkle in the baking soda, baking powder, and salt, stirring gently.
- Add the flour and mix just until the dough is smooth and the flour is fully absorbed.
- Fold in the mix-ins: chocolate chips, m&m’s, chopped caramels, pretzel pieces, and sprinkles, blending evenly.
- Spread the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch metal baking dish. For a decorative touch, gently press extra toppings onto the surface.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes or until the top and edges turn lightly golden and the center sets without appearing glossy. In some ovens, baking may require up to 20 minutes.
- Place the baking dish on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool entirely before removing.
- Cut into 12 large, 24 medium, or 48 bite-sized squares as desired. Store in an airtight container or wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
Notes
Mix-ins can be customized—milk, white, dark, or peanut butter chips are excellent alternatives.
For longer storage, freeze cooled bars in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
