Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

These festive cookie bars are perfect for the holidays, combining rich chocolate, colorful M&Ms, and a sprinkle of joy! Simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 extra large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, plus extra for sprinkling on top
• 1/2 cup holiday M&Ms, plus extra for sprinkling on top
• 2 tablespoons holiday jimmy sprinkles, plus extra for sprinkling on top

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the flour and baking soda, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and holiday sprinkles. Make sure the mix is evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
7. Top the batter with a few more chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bars have puffed up and the top is golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	208
Total Fat	10g	12%
Saturated Fat	6g	28%
Cholesterol	31mg	10%
Sodium	120mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	28g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Total Sugars	17g
Protein	2g	5%
Calcium	23mg	2%
Iron	1mg	7%
Potassium	78mg	2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History

The Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive variation of the traditional chocolate chip cookie, which has been a staple of American holiday baking for generations. While the exact origin of chocolate chip cookies is often attributed to Ruth Wakefield, who invented them in the 1930s, the concept of cookie barsbaking cookie dough in a pan to create bars instead of individual cookiesgained popularity much later. Christmas Cookie Bars are a modern holiday twist, typically made with festive ingredients like M&Ms and sprinkles, reflecting the season's colors and flavors. These bars are not only a delicious treat but also a time-saver, as they eliminate the need to shape each individual cookie, making them perfect for busy holiday gatherings.

Regional Variations

Though popular in many parts of the United States, Christmas Cookie Bars can have different variations based on local traditions and ingredients. In the South, for example, bakers might add a hint of pecans or bourbon to the dough to complement the warm flavors of the region. On the West Coast, coconut or orange zest might be incorporated, providing a lighter, citrusy note that pairs well with the sweetness of the M&Ms and chocolate chips. No matter the variation, the basic idea remains the same: creating a quick, festive, and irresistible dessert for the holiday season.

Differences from Similar Desserts

While Christmas Cookie Bars share similarities with other holiday treats such as gingerbread bars or sugar cookie bars, their key distinction lies in the ingredients and texture. Unlike gingerbread bars, which are spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and molasses, Christmas Cookie Bars are more like a chocolate chip cookie in bar formsoft, chewy, and studded with colorful candies and chocolate. What sets them apart from sugar cookie bars is the richness of the chocolate chips and the added flair of holiday M&Ms and sprinkles. These small differences make Christmas Cookie Bars a fun and festive alternative to other classic holiday desserts.

Where Are They Typically Served?

Christmas Cookie Bars are commonly served at holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, and cookie exchanges. Due to their ease of preparation and ability to serve a large group, they are a favorite choice for potlucks and family celebrations. These bars are also perfect for gift-giving, as they can be neatly cut into squares and packaged in festive boxes or bags. In some households, they are a tradition to bake on Christmas Eve, ensuring there's a sweet treat ready for Santa Clausor simply for family and friends to enjoy.

Fun Facts

• Did you know that the first chocolate chip cookie was invented by accident? Ruth Wakefield, who was running the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, was trying to make chocolate cookies but ran out of baking chocolate. She chopped up a bar of semi-sweet chocolate, added it to the dough, and the chocolate chip cookie was born.
• Christmas Cookie Bars are an ideal dessert for kids to help bakemixing ingredients and decorating the bars with M&Ms and sprinkles is a fun activity for all ages.
• These bars often taste even better the day after they are baked. The flavors meld together, and the texture becomes slightly more firm, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

Whether you're baking them for a party, a family gathering, or just to enjoy at home, Christmas Cookie Bars bring the warmth and spirit of the holiday season into every bite. They're simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

FAQ about Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

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