Name: Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup Christmas M&Ms; ½ cup chocolate chips

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If you’re craving the ultimate festive treat, these Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars are exactly what you need to brighten your holiday baking lineup. Imagine tender, luscious cookie bars bursting with buttery brown sugar goodness, studded with vibrant red and green Christmas M&Ms, and pockets of gooey chocolate chips melting with every bite. These bars are not only irresistibly delicious but also simple to make, making them a favorite for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy treat at home. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a seasonal tradition you look forward to year after year.

Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars comes down to just a handful of pantry staples, each playing a vital role in texture, flavor, and that perfect festive appearance. From rich melted butter that keeps these bars soft, to the colorful M&Ms that make them visually festive and fun, every ingredient has a special part to play in creating this holiday favorite.

Unsalted butter, 1 cup melted: Provides a rich, tender crumb and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Brown sugar, 1 cup: Adds deep, caramel notes and retains moisture for softness.
Granulated sugar, ½ cup: Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
Large eggs, 2: Bind ingredients together while giving moisture and lift.
Vanilla extract, 1 tbsp: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, inviting aroma.
All-purpose flour, 2 ½ cups: Forms the structure for the cookie bars while keeping them tender.
Baking soda, 1 tsp: Helps leaven and spread the bars evenly.
Salt, ½ tsp: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Christmas M&Ms, 1 cup: Bring festive color and a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Chocolate chips, ½ cup: Add melty pockets of rich chocolate for indulgence.

How to Make Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper so your cookie bars don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures those soft & chewy Christmas M&M cookie bars hold together beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This combination builds the rich base that keeps the bars tender and flavorful. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, which add moisture and depth of flavor.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Be careful not to overmix here—stir just until the flour disappears to avoid developing too much gluten and compromising the bars’ soft texture.

Step 4: Incorporate M&Ms and Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part: folding in your Christmas M&Ms and chocolate chips. This step brings those festive pops of color and gooey chocolate bites that make these cookie bars so irresistible. Be sure to save a few M&Ms for sprinkling on top if you want an extra colorful presentation.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula or your hands to ensure uniform thickness. Pop it into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set but the center still feels soft and slightly underbaked—that’s the secret to those signature soft & chewy Christmas M&M cookie bars.

Step 6: Cool Completely and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing so they hold their shape. This patience pays off, giving you neat, chewy bars with melty pockets of chocolate and festive candy throughout.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few matching red and green M&Ms on top of the bars right after baking, before they cool. You can also dust a little powdered sugar or drizzle white chocolate for a wintry look that’s sure to impress guests.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk. If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a creamy vanilla yogurt dip to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or holiday parties, wrap the Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars in festive parchment and tie with a bright ribbon. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares and place them on a colorful holiday platter with a festive napkin for easy snacking and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them perfectly soft and chewy, just like fresh from the oven.

Freezing

Want to prepare ahead? Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for a soft texture that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that gooey melty chocolate and soft texture that makes these Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars such a treat.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular M&Ms for the Christmas ones?

Absolutely! Regular M&Ms work perfectly in this recipe, though you’ll lose a bit of that festive red and green flair. However, the taste and texture remain just as delightful.

What if I don’t have melted butter—can I use softened butter instead?

While melted butter is best for achieving that fudgy, chewy texture, you can use softened butter if needed. Just cream it well with the sugars to ensure proper mixing and a good final texture.

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, and make sure your leavening agents and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How can I make these cookie bars more chocolatey?

For extra chocolate indulgence, add a half cup more chocolate chips, or fold in mini chunks of your favorite chocolate bar. You can even swirl in a little melted chocolate on top before baking for a marbled effect.

Is it necessary to cool the bars completely before cutting?

Yes, cooling completely helps the cookie bars set and prevents them from crumbling when cut. If you’re in a hurry, chilling in the fridge for 20-30 minutes accelerates the process.

Final Thoughts

These Soft & Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars are more than just a treat—they’re a festive hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing with loved ones all season long. Easy to make, bursting with color and flavor, and irresistibly soft, they truly capture the joy of holiday baking. Go ahead, bake a batch today, and watch these cookie bars become your new holiday obsession.