These festive blondies are loaded with holiday M&Ms and sprinkles, making them a delightful treat for the Christmas season! Easy to bake and freezer-friendly, they’re perfect for gifting or enjoying with family during the holidays.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup holiday M&Ms (or your preferred colors)
- ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies are best)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch metal pan with foil and spray thoroughly with cooking spray. Avoid glass pans, as they can cause uneven baking. - Mix Wet Ingredients
Using a stand or hand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until crumbly. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. - Add Dry Ingredients
Mix in salt, baking powder, and flour until just combined. Fold in M&Ms and sprinkles. - Spread the Dough
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Spray your hands with cooking spray to help press the sticky dough into an even layer. Sprinkle the top with extra M&Ms and sprinkles for decoration. - Bake the Bars
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set. Slightly underbake the bars to keep the center soft and chewy. - Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 pieces. - Store
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to a month.
Recipe Notes
- Holiday Customization: Swap the M&Ms and sprinkles to match any holiday or theme.
- Measuring Tips: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate flour and sugar measurements.
- Pan Type: Metal pans are recommended for even baking. Glass pans can lead to underbaked centers and overcooked edges.
- Chewy Centers: The bars are intentionally fudgy in the center, similar to brownies. They’ll firm up as they cool but remain rich and soft.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 205
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 66mg
- Potassium: 57mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 26g
These Christmas Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for dessert trays or holiday gifting. Their chewy texture and festive look will make them a favorite at any celebration. Save this recipe now and enjoy holiday baking made easy!
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