Name: Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (17.5 ounce) bag sugar cookie mix; 3 tablespoons brown sugar packed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2/3 cup red and green M&Ms divided; 1/3 cup white chocolate chips divided; 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips divided; 3 tablespoons holiday sprinkles divided

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 43 reviews

If you’re looking for an easy, festive treat that captures all the holiday cheer in every bite, this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. I first made these bars a few years back when I wanted something quick but packed with all those colors and flavors that scream Christmas. They’re soft, chewy, loaded with candies, and so simple to whip up that you’ll wonder why you ever bother with complicated cookie recipes.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: Starting with a sugar cookie mix cuts down prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Festive Flare: The mix of red and green M&Ms along with holiday sprinkles creates instant Christmas vibes.
Perfect Texture: Soft bars with melty pockets of white and semi-sweet chocolate make every bite delightful.
Easy Make-Ahead: These bars store and freeze beautifully, perfect for holiday baking sessions.

Christmas Cookie Bars, festive cookie bars, easy holiday treats, no-bake Christmas desserts, candy-filled cookie bars - The image shows square pieces of soft, light-colored cookie bars spread out on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two layers: a thick, slightly crumbly beige cookie base studded with colorful red and green candy pieces, along with dark and white chocolate chips scattered evenly throughout. The top layer is the same cookie dough with visible embedded candy and chips, giving a festive look. Small white and red sprinkles are also scattered on the surface of the bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because it uses a sugar cookie mix that guarantees consistent results, and then you build on that foundation with the right blend of candies and butter to keep things soft but packed with flavor. Shopping for quality chocolates and fresh butter will make a difference, so don’t skimp here!

Christmas Cookie Bars, festive cookie bars, easy holiday treats, no-bake Christmas desserts, candy-filled cookie bars - Flat lay of colorful red and green M&Ms scattered alongside creamy white chocolate chips and rich semi-sweet chocolate chips, soft golden brown sugar crystals, smooth pale yellow unsalted butter, fresh large brown egg with a glossy shell, and a small heap of festive multicolored holiday sprinkles, all arranged naturally with slight shadows and textures visible, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Sugar cookie mix: This is your base and shortcut to classic cookie flavor without fuss.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note and helps retain moisture in the bars.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter brings richness and helps achieve the perfect chewy texture.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
Red and green M&Ms: Brings festive color and a fun crunch.
White chocolate chips: Adds creamy pockets of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the other chocolates.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides a slightly bitter balance to the sweetness, creating depth.
Holiday sprinkles: Optional but they add whimsical texture and festive vibes on top.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your style or what’s in your pantry. I often experiment swapping out the candy mix-ins with whatever festive treats I can find, and each variation feels like a new cozy surprise.

Variation: I frequently replace the M&Ms with chopped peppermint bark for a cool mint twist that feels super holiday-specific.
Dietary swap: You can use a dairy-free butter substitute and vegan chocolate chips to make these bars vegan-friendly.
Extra festive: Try stirring in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and earthiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your pan and oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this really helps when you remove those bars later without any sticking or breakage. Make sure the parchment hangs over the edges so you can easily lift the whole batch out once cooled.

Step 2: Mix your dough

In a large bowl, combine your sugar cookie mix and packed brown sugar. Then add softened butter, the egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything gently until a dough forms. The dough might feel a bit soft and sticky—that’s perfect and means your cookie bars will be chewy, not dry.

Step 3: Fold in your festive mix-ins

Set aside a small handful of M&Ms, chocolate chips, and sprinkles to scatter on top later—this makes the bars look so joyful! Fold the rest into your dough evenly. Mixing by hand is best here because you want to avoid crushing those candies.

Step 4: Press and top

Press the dough evenly into your lined pan with clean hands or a spatula. Don’t press too hard because you want some air pockets for softness. Sprinkle with the reserved candies and sprinkles—this step really pops the festive factor.

Step 5: Bake and cool

Bake your cookie bars for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should turn golden brown but don’t let the middle dry out. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan before slicing. Patience is key here; cutting too soon means crumbly bars.

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Soft Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, to get the right dough texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until combined to keep the bars tender, rather than tough.
Watch Your Oven: Every oven’s different—start checking the bars at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Cooling is Crucial: Let bars cool fully in the pan before slicing so they set properly and don’t crumble.

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a touch of extra holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes when serving. It adds a fresh burst of color and even a little minty crunch if you go with candy canes. It’s such a fun way to make them feel even more festive for guests or when you’re gifting them.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of eggnog for instant holiday vibes. If you want to serve a small plate, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns these bars into a dessert worth writing home about.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped these bars individually in wax paper and tied them with festive ribbon as holiday gifts, which always earns rave reviews. Another fun idea is to layer them in a glass jar with some greenery and a handmade tag—instant cute and no-fail gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. I usually line the container with parchment paper between the layers to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

I often freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, just thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

If you like your cookie bars a bit warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a low oven (300°F) wrapped in foil. This softens the bars and melts the chocolate chips just perfectly, almost like they’re fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use different candy instead of M&Ms in this Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can swap out M&Ms for other candies like chopped peppermint candies, crushed candy canes, or even festive sprinkles. Just be mindful of candy that may melt too much or alter the texture heavily.
How long do these cookie bars stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the Christmas Cookie Bars stay fresh for 3-4 days. Beyond that, they may start to dry out, but freezing is a great option to extend their shelf life.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to keep the recipe simple, and ensure all your mix-ins are gluten-free as well. The texture will be very similar and just as delicious.
Do I have to use both white and semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Not necessarily. Using both adds variety in flavor and texture, but feel free to use one type depending on your preference or what you have at home. The bars will still be wonderful.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Wait until the bars have completely cooled so they set properly. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to avoid crumb buildup, giving you perfect squares every time.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s my go-to when I want fuss-free festive baking that pleases a crowd. I love how easy it is, how sparkly and holiday-perfect it looks, and most of all, how it tastes like Christmas joy with every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly it becomes a holiday tradition in your home, just like it did in mine.