Holiday Cookie Bars

Holiday Candy Bar Treats combine a soft, buttery foundation with colorful red and green M&Ms and smooth white chocolate chips. They're super easy to whip up, making them perfect for Christmas parties, sweet swaps, or just munching with the family. The bright candies give them a fun holiday look, while the white chocolate adds just the right amount of creamy sweetness you can't turn down.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Melted unsalted butter: 1 cup, gives a luxurious base
• Packed brown sugar: 1 cup, creates that gooey chewiness
• White sugar: ½ cup, adds the sweet factor
• Eggs: 2 large ones, holds everything together
• Vanilla extract: 2 tsp, pumps up the flavor
• All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups, forms the foundation
• Baking soda: 1 tsp, helps them rise nicely
• Salt: ½ tsp, brings out all the tastes
• Holiday M&Ms (red and green): 1 cup, for Christmas color
• White chocolate chips: ½ cup, adds creamy sweetness

HOW TO MAKE THEM

Step 1:

Get your oven going at 350°F (175°C). Get a 9x13-inch pan ready with grease or parchment paper.

Step 2:

Mix your melted butter with both sugars in a big bowl until they're all blended. Throw in the eggs and vanilla, then stir until everything's combined.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, mix your flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just enough to combine.

Step 4:

Gently stir in ¾ cup of the M&Ms and all the white chocolate chips. Save some M&Ms for the top.

Step 5:

Push the mixture evenly into your pan. Scatter the leftover M&Ms on top, pressing them down slightly.

Step 6:

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the middle.

Step 7:

Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Keeping Them Fresh

• They'll stay good in a sealed container at room temp for about 5 days.
• Want more holiday pizzazz? Toss some festive sprinkles on top before they go in the oven.

Smart Shortcuts

• Line your pan with parchment paper so they don't stick and are easier to cut.
• Don't rush the cooling process or you'll end up with crumbly bars instead of neat squares.

Pro Cook Suggestions

• Chef Lisa says try adding a dash of cinnamon to the mix for a cozy holiday twist.

What Makes These Bars Special

These treats hit all the right notes with their mix of chocolate and colorful candies in a soft, chewy square. They're a breeze to make and perfect for sharing during the holidays. Whether you're baking for a big gathering or just want something sweet at home, these bars will bring some Christmas joy to your dessert spread.

Common Questions

Can I swap out the M&M colors?

Sure thing! Any M&Ms work fine, but the red and green ones really bring that Christmas vibe.

Will nuts work in this recipe?

Absolutely! Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans if you want that extra crunch.

Got guests who can't have gluten?

No problem - just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour mix instead of regular flour.

Can I make these ahead and freeze them?

Yep! They freeze great for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tight in plastic and foil before sticking them in the freezer.

Pin it

Conclusion

These Holiday Cookie Bars are a must-bake during the season! Featuring bright M&Ms, sweet white chocolate chips, and a soft, buttery layer, they’re everything you need for easy entertaining. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re great for potlucks, parties, or gifting to loved ones. Bring a little extra cheer to your festivities with these sweet treats!