Christmas M&M Cookie Bars

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract​
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for the top, optional)
• 1 cup Christmas M&M’s (plus extra for the top, optional)​

Butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar create a rich, chewy cookie texture, eggs and vanilla add structure and flavor, and flour, baking soda, and salt form the cookie dough base. M&M’s and chocolate chips provide chocolatey crunch and festive color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting; lightly grease if desired.​
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for about 1 minute, until light and well combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined; do not overmix.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s, reserving a small handful of each for sprinkling on top.​

Bake the Bars

7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 pan, smoothing the top.
8. Sprinkle reserved M&M’s and chocolate chips over the surface and gently press them in.
9. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks just set; do not overbake so the bars stay soft.​
10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Slice and Serve

11. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the slab from the pan.
12. Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
13. Serve on holiday platters or pack into tins for gifting.
    
    Continue to the next page to reveal more tips and tricks