The holidays are a time for indulging in delicious treats, and these Christmas cookie bars are the perfect way to do just that! Imagine biting into a soft and chewy cookie bar, bursting with festive flavors and topped with a rich and creamy frosting. These bars are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and will surely become a new holiday favorite in your household.
Unveiling the Magic: Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Base:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
For the Creamy Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles, for decorating
Tools of the Trade: What You’ll Need to Bake
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Baking Up a Storm: The Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Canvas:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out later!
2. Creating the Cookie Base:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Gently fold in the M&Ms, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
3. Baking the Bars:
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
4. Whipping Up the Festive Frosting:
- While the cookie bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
5. The Grand Finale: Frosting and Decorating
- Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, frost them evenly with the prepared frosting.
- Sprinkle generously with red and green sprinkles, adding a final touch of Christmas cheer.
- Cut the bars into squares and serve!
Expert Tips for Cookie Bar Perfection:
- “For extra chewy bars, slightly underbake them,” advises renowned pastry chef, Emily Carter. “Remember, they’ll continue to cook a little as they cool.”
- To prevent the M&Ms from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the dough. This will help them adhere better.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frosting. However, homemade frosting always adds an extra special touch!
Christmas Cookie Bars
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
These Christmas cookie bars are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. They are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a satisfyingly chewy texture. So gather your ingredients and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you. Don’t forget to share your baking experience with us in the comments below! We’d love to see your creations. Happy baking!
