M&M Christmas Cookie Bars That Make Holiday Magic Happen
Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Sebastian Recipes Team
There s a delightful joy that fills the air every time I whip up a batch of M&M Christmas Cookie Bars. Imagine the moment when warm, gooey treats come out of the oven, radiating a sweet aroma that instantly transports you to holiday gatherings and cozy family nights.
One December afternoon, I found myself knee-deep in holiday spirit, rifling through jars of sprinkles and bags of festive candies. That s when inspiration struck! Why not combine the beloved classic flavors of cookies with the fun and vibrant look of M&M s? This dessert was born from that moment, and it quickly became a holiday favorite in my home, enchanting both kids and adults alike.
These cookie bars are a breeze to make and require just a handful of ingredients. Packed with Christmas M&M s and rich chocolate chips, they re perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with loved ones while curled up on the couch. Get ready to bring some extra cheer to your holiday season with this simple yet scrumptious recipe!
Why are M&M Christmas Cookie Bars a Must-Bake?
Joyful Baking Experience: Creating these cookie bars is a delightful way to embrace the holiday spirit while bringing the family together.
Colorful and Festive: The vibrant colors of Christmas M&M s add a cheerful touch that brightens any gathering.
Easy Recipe: With just a few steps, even baking novices can create an impressive treat without stress.
Decadent Layer of Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and M&M s makes for an irresistibly rich flavor profile.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookie bars are ideal for potlucks, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with your favorite hot beverage.
M&M Christmas Cookie Bars Ingredients
The ingredients for these festive treats will fill your home with the sweet scent of the holidays!
For the Cookie Base
- Salted butter 2 sticks, bringing rich flavor and moisture to the bars.
- Granulated sugar 1 cup, adding sweetness and a delightful texture.
- Golden brown sugar 1 cup, firmly packed for a hint of caramel flavor and chewiness.
- Large eggs 3, at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
- Pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons, enhancing the overall flavor beautifully.
- All-purpose flour 3 cups, the backbone of the cookie structure.
- Baking soda 3/4 teaspoon, helping the cookie bars rise perfectly.
- Salt 3/4 teaspoon, balancing the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
For the Festive Touch
- Christmas M&M s 1 1/2 cups, plus more for topping, providing vibrant colors and crunch in every bite.
- Mini chocolate chips 1 cup, plus more for topping, delivering extra chocolatey goodness.
- White chocolate chips 1/2 cup, for a creamy finish that beautifully contrasts with the other flavors.
With these ingredients, you re all set to whip up a batch of delicious M&M Christmas Cookie Bars that will surely bring joy and warmth to your holiday celebrations!
How to Make M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This sets the perfect baking temperature for golden, delicious cookie bars.
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Prepare a 9Ã13 aluminum pan by lining it with foil, leaving some overhang. This helps with easy removal later on.
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Spray the foil generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cookie bars from sticking.
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Beat the salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a stand mixer until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and creamy.
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Add the large eggs and pure vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined. This adds rich flavor and moisture to your bars.
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Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt by lowering the mixer speed and mixing until just incorporated. Don t overmix to keep the texture tender.
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Stir in the Christmas M&M s and mini chocolate chips, giving a final gentle stir. Save some for topping don t hold back on the fun!
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Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
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Press additional M&M s, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips into the top for an extra festive touch before baking.
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Bake for 35 minutes on the middle rack, or until the tops are light golden brown and just set. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
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Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Store them tightly covered to keep them fresh.
Optional: Sprinkle with extra festive sprinkles before serving for added color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
M&M Christmas Cookie Bars Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful bars to suit your taste!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use your favorite non-dairy chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly option.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. Nuts add an earthy flavor and delightful texture!
- Add Citrus: Zest one orange or lemon into the batter for a bright pop of citrus flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to cater to gluten sensitivities while keeping delicious texture intact.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of vanilla and top with crushed peppermint candies for a festive minty flavor.
- Chunky Chocolate: Use a mix of chocolate chips, including dark and milk chocolate chunks, for a richer chocolate experience in every bite. You can never have too much chocolate!
- Cranberry Bliss: Add 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the dough for a fruity, tart bite that beautifully complements the chocolate sweetness.
- Extra Spice: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that will make your kitchen smell like holiday bliss.
With these variations, your M&M Christmas Cookie Bars will become a deliciously unique treat that everyone loves!
Expert Tips for M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier texture in your cookie bars.
- Avoid Overmixing: To maintain a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, mix until ingredients are just combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven; they should be lightly golden and just set overbaking will dry them out.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan; this makes cutting them easier and helps maintain their shape.
- Add More Toppings: Don t be shy! Pressing extra M&M s and chocolate chips on top before baking gives your M&M Christmas Cookie Bars a festive and beautiful finish.
How to Store and Freeze M&M Christmas Cookie Bars
Room Temperature: Store baked cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 week; this will help maintain their texture.
Freezer: Freeze uncut cookie bars or individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds perfect for recreating that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What to Serve with M&M Christmas Cookie Bars?
Cozying up with these festive bars makes every moment sweeter, but a complete meal can elevate the experience even more.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich, chocolatey goodness complements the sweetness of the cookie bars, creating a warm, indulgent pairing perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Peppermint Bark: The cool mint flavor balances the sweetness of the cookie bars, adding a refreshing twist that delights the senses.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, spiced cider enhances the holiday spirit, providing a fragrant, flavorful contrast that perfectly complements the cookie bars.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla on the side adds a delightful contrast in temperature and a smooth richness that pairs beautifully with every bite.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Keep the festive theme alive! These classic cookies offer a different texture while echoing the holiday spices found in the cookie bars.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A fresh medley of seasonal fruits brightens up the dessert spread, introducing a refreshing crunch that balances out the rich, sweet flavors.
Imagine serving your cookie bars alongside these treats, crafting a joyous table filled with warmth and celebration this holiday season!
Make Ahead Options
These M&M Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks who love to meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients as usual, then transfer it to the lined pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If you d like to extend the prep time, the unbaked cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days without sacrificing flavor. When ready to enjoy, just bake directly from the fridge for an extra few minutes, ensuring those delightful bars are just as gooey and delicious as when made fresh. This simple make-ahead option saves you time during the holiday hustle, allowing you to savor every moment with loved ones!
M&M Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for the M&M Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! I recommend using salted butter at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The salt enhances the sweetness, providing a delicious balance. If you only have unsalted butter, feel free to use that, but do add a pinch of salt in the recipe.
How should I store my cookie bars after baking?
For optimal freshness, store your M&M Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, move them to the fridge, where they can last for up to a week. Just ensure they re well-sealed to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze M&M Christmas Cookie Bars? What s the best way to do it?
Absolutely! To freeze, you can either freeze the entire uncut batch or cut them into individual pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they can last up to 3 months! When you want to enjoy one, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked experience.
What should I do if my cookie bars are too dry?
If your cookie bars turn out dry, it might be due to overmixing the dough or overbaking them. To prevent this in the future, make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined. And keep an eye on them in the oven remove them when they re lightly golden and just set. If they do end up too dry, serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream can help bring back some moisture!
Are these cookie bars safe for pets or those with allergies?
It s best to keep these M&M Christmas Cookie Bars away from pets, as chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Additionally, if you re concerned about allergies, particularly gluten, nuts, or dairy, you can substitute gluten-free flour and dairy alternatives where needed to accommodate dietary restrictions while still achieving a delicious treat. Just ensure all your ingredients are allergy-friendly!
How can I make the bars more festive or enhance their flavor?
Very! You can enhance your cookie bars by adding festive sprinkles on top before baking or incorporating crushed candies like candy canes for a minty crunch. Also, feel free to swap out the mix-ins chopped nuts or different flavored chips like caramel or dark chocolate can elevate the flavor even further. The more, the merrier!