Name: Festive Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 0.5 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2.25 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt 1 cup red and green M&Ms; 0.5 cup white chocolate chips; 0.5 cup crushed pretzels (optional)

When the holiday season hits full swing, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked treats wafting through your home. These Festive Cookie Bars are everything you want in a holiday dessert: easy to make, rich in flavor, and bursting with holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, prepping a dessert table, or sneaking a sweet bite during gift wrapping, these bars will fit the occasion.

With a buttery shortbread crust, a colorful sprinkle of seasonal candies, and a chewy, golden top layer, these cookie bars are both beautiful and delicious. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can swap in your favorite mix-ins or adapt the colors to match any celebration year-round. But during the winter holidays, they’re a showstopper.

An 8×8-inch square baking pan is ideal for thick and chewy bars, while a 9×13-inch pan will yield thinner slices perfect for sharing. Be sure to line the pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and minimal cleanup.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup red and green M&Ms (or seasonal mix-ins)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed pretzels (optional, for a salty crunch)

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Fold in the Festive Mix-ins

Gently fold in the M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and crushed pretzels if using.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.

Festive Cookie Bars are best served at room temperature, making them ideal for parties or make-ahead treats. Serve them on a platter with hot cocoa or mulled cider for a cozy presentation.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (sliced and wrapped) for up to 3 months—perfect for holiday planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different candies?

Absolutely! Try crushed candy canes, chopped peppermint bark, or colored sprinkles to match any theme.

Are these bars chewy or cakey?

These bars lean toward chewy with a lightly crisp edge, especially when baked in a smaller pan.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Check your mix-ins for gluten, especially the pretzels.

What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?

You can substitute with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, or omit them entirely.

How can I make these ahead?

Bake, cool, and slice the bars. Store them in the freezer between layers of parchment and thaw as needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time slightly.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you love these Festive Cookie Bars, you’ll definitely enjoy these other sweet bites:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use pretzels for crunch? Try adding peppermint? Or go full chocolate?

I love seeing your twists on my recipes. Ask away if you have questions—let’s help each other bake the best cookie bars ever.

For more festive treats, check out my daily recipe pins at Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Festive Cookie Bars

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Festive Cookie Bars are buttery, chewy, and packed with colorful candies and white chocolate. Perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or freezing ahead for stress-free entertaining.