Last updated on September 28th, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Christmas chocolate chip cookie bars are the kind of dessert that everyone loves: soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips. The festive red and green M&Ms and sprinkles make them sparkle on any holiday table, and they’re quick to prepare since the dough bakes all at once in a pan. These bars are one of the easiest holiday treats you can make, and they’re also fun Christmas desserts to share at parties or give as gifts. Save this recipe to your list of easy Christmas desserts so you’ll have a go-to option for the season.
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Ingredients for Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup red and green M&Ms (plus a few extra for topping)
- 1–2 tbsp red and green sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
1. Prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix in the fun stuff: Fold in chocolate chips, sprinkles and a few M&Ms (save some of the M&Ms for later).
5. Spread and parbake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan (You’ll probably have to use your hands, as the dough is rather thick). Bake for 15 minutes to let the dough begin to set.
6. Add M&Ms: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle some extra M&Ms across the top. This keeps them colorful and on the surface.
7. Finish baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set.
8. Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips for Delicious Christmas Cookie Bars
- For extra color: Parbake the bars for about 15 minutes, then sprinkle extra M&Ms on top before finishing the bake. This keeps them bright and visible instead of sinking into the dough.
- Don’t overbake: These bars are best when they’re still slightly soft in the center. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Optional decorations: Keep it simple with M&Ms and sprinkles, or go all out with a drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar to make them stand out even more on your holiday table.
- Storage: Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars keep well, so you can bake them a day or two before your holiday party. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay soft and chewy.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan. The bars will be slightly thinner but just as delicious.
Do I have to use sprinkles?
Not at all! The sprinkles add a festive touch, but if you want a simpler look, just use M&Ms.
What’s the best way to cut cookie bars neatly?
Wait until the bars are completely cooled, then use a sharp knife. For extra clean edges, wipe the knife between cuts.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a center that looks set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out clean, while the center may have a few moist crumbs. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
These Christmas chocolate chip cookie bars are a festive twist on a classic favorite: chewy, colorful, and packed with chocolate. They’re the kind of holiday treats that fit any occasion, from cookie swaps to family movie nights, and they always disappear quickly. Add them to your list of fun Christmas desserts this season, and you’ll have a recipe that’s simple, reliable, and perfect for sharing.
Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms (plus a few to sprinkle on top)
- 1-2 Tbsp red and green sprinkles jimmies work best
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips, sprinkles and a few M&Ms (save some of the M&Ms for later).
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan (You’ll probably have to use your hands, as the dough is rather thick). Bake for 15 minutes to let the dough begin to set.
- Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle some extra M&Ms across the top. This keeps them colorful and on the surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
