Description
Delight in the festive spirit with these Christmas Cookie Bars! Perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations. These treats are a combination of rich chocolate, colorful M&Ms, and the warm flavors of vanilla and almond.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup holiday M&Ms or red and green candy-coated chocolates
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and nuts if using, mixing gently.
- Bake the Bars:
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Optional: Add White Chocolate Drizzle:
If you want to add a festive touch, melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled cookie bars for a beautiful finish.
- Slice and Serve:
Once the bars are completely cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles.
Serve and enjoy the holiday cheer!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with more chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg