The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

These versatile cookie bars transform a viral TikTok recipe into a festive holiday treat with customizable mix-ins. Perfect for cookie platters and easily freezable.

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:37:45 GMT
A close-up image of festive cookie bars topped with red and green candies, chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, and white sprinkles, arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up image of festive cookie bars topped with red and green candies, chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, and white sprinkles, arranged on parchment paper. | quickierecipe.com

Every Christmas I make these irresistible cookie bars that bring pure joy to my kitchen. Loaded with holiday M&Ms sweet caramel and crunchy pretzels they're my go to recipe when I want something special but simple. The combination of chewy sweet and salty makes everyone's eyes light up when they spot these on my holiday cookie platter.

What Makes These Bars So Special

What I love most about these bars is how they combine everything wonderful about cookies without any fussy scooping. The texture is absolutely perfect soft and chewy inside with little bursts of crunch from M&Ms and pretzels. That touch of caramel just takes them over the top. They're my secret weapon for busy holiday baking days.

Key Ingredients

  • Caramel: I love using Kraft or Werther's cut into tiny pieces they melt into perfect pockets of sweetness.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These give that classic chocolate chip cookie taste sometimes I mix dark and milk chocolate.
  • M&M's: Those festive red and green candies make these bars pure Christmas magic.
  • Pretzels: Just break them into pieces they add the perfect salty crunch.
  • Butter: Always use unsalted melted butter it makes these bars so tender.
  • Sprinkles: I love adding red and green jimmies when I want extra Christmas sparkle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Ingredients
First thing I do is chop up those caramels and break the pretzels into bite sized pieces.
Mix the Dough
Mix your melted butter with sugars then add eggs and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients just until combined then stir in all those yummy mix ins.
Prepare the Pan
Press everything into your lined pan I use the back of a measuring cup to get it nice and even. Sprinkle extra toppings on for that wow factor.
Bake
Pop it in a 350°F oven for about 16 minutes until the edges are just golden. Let them cool right in the pan.
Chill and Slice
For perfect squares I always pop them in the fridge before cutting. Makes such a difference.

Keeping Them Fresh

These bars stay perfectly soft for 3 days in a container on the counter or up to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to make them ahead they freeze beautifully for a couple months. Just remember those pretzels might lose their crunch over time so I usually save those for bars we'll eat soon.

My Favorite Baking Tips

Want picture perfect cuts? Pop the pan in the freezer for a bit before slicing. I always run my knife under hot water dry it off then slice they come out so clean. Play around with the mix ins too sometimes I throw in white chocolate chips or butterscotch. A sprinkle of sea salt on top really makes the flavors pop.

Mix It Up

These bars are so versatile I make them year round just changing up the M&M colors for different holidays. During Christmas I love adding crushed candy canes or drizzling white chocolate over the top. The possibilities are endless just use your favorite holiday treats.

Perfect for Gifting

These bars never fail to bring smiles at cookie swaps and holiday parties. Their festive colors catch everyone's eye and the taste keeps them coming back for more. Pack them in pretty boxes with tissue paper they make the sweetest homemade gifts.

A close-up of a festive dessert bar topped with colorful M&M's and chocolate chips on a piece of parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of a festive dessert bar topped with colorful M&M's and chocolate chips on a piece of parchment paper. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I adjust the mix-ins?
Yes, you can use any combination of mix-ins totaling 2 cups. Mix and match chocolates, candies, nuts, or pretzels as desired.
→ Why is my dough runny?
Give the dough 5 minutes to set as the butter cools. If still too runny, add up to 1/4 cup additional flour.
→ How do I store these bars?
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for 1-2 months in a freezer bag or container.
→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?
No, use real unsalted butter for best results. Margarine will affect texture and flavor.
→ Why shouldn't I use a mixer?
Hand-mixing with a spatula prevents overmixing, which can lead to tough cookie bars. The dough should be mixed just until ingredients are combined.

The BEST Christmas Cookie Bars

Soft and chewy cookie bars packed with festive mix-ins like holiday M&Ms, caramel, pretzels, and chocolate chips. A viral TikTok favorite!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted.
02 3/4 cup light brown sugar.
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
04 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk.
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
06 1 teaspoon baking soda.
07 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.
08 1/2 teaspoon salt.
09 2 cups all-purpose flour.
10 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
11 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms.
12 1/2 cup broken pretzels.
13 1/2 cup chopped chewy caramels.
14 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Chop caramels into small pieces.

Step 02

Melt butter, stir in sugars by hand. Add eggs and vanilla.

Step 03

Mix in baking soda, powder, salt. Stir in flour until just combined.

Step 04

Fold in chocolate chips, M&Ms, pretzels, caramels, and sprinkles.

Step 05

Press into 9x13 pan. Bake 16-18 minutes until lightly golden and set.

Step 06

Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

  1. Can customize mix-ins.
  2. Don't use mixer - stir by hand.
  3. Freezes well up to 2 months.
  4. Keeps fresh 3 days at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 metal pan.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour, pretzels).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 414
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 4 g