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The Ultimate Chewy Christmas Cookie Bars with M&Ms and Sprinkles

A close-up of a thick, chewy slice of Christmas cookie bars loaded with colorful M&M-style candies and sprinkles.
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Make these easy, chewy Christmas cookie bars loaded with festive M&Ms and sprinkles. This one-pan dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and requires no chilling or scooping.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup M&M’s holiday baking candies
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup festive Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the M&M’s, chocolate chips, and most of the festive sprinkles, reserving some sprinkles for the top.
  6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Sprinkle the reserved sprinkles over the top of the dough.
  7. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set. The bars should remain slightly soft for a chewy texture.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
  9. Cut into squares. These make great make ahead holiday desserts.

Notes

  • For the chewiest texture, avoid overbaking. The center should look slightly underdone when you remove the pan from the oven.
  • You can substitute the M&M’s with your favorite holiday mix-ins, such as white chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies.
  • These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, making them ideal for Christmas potluck bars.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/christmas-cookie-bars-easy-holiday-baking/