GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings joy and warmth to the holiday season, look no further than this GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe! These delightful bars combine the rich flavor of blondies with colorful holiday M&Ms and sprinkles, making them a perfect addition to any Christmas gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family party, sending goodies to friends, or just treating yourself, these cookie bars are sure to spread cheer.

What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up! With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, even your little ones can join in on the fun. Plus, they store well in the freezer, so you can prepare them ahead of time and enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No complicated steps here! Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves these gooey bars, making them perfect for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch in advance and freeze for later enjoyment.
• Festive Appeal: The bright colors from M&Ms and sprinkles add holiday flair to your dessert table.
• Deliciously Gooey: These bars are perfectly moist and chewy—just what you want in a cookie!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars. Let’s gather everything you need!

For the Cookie Bars

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 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 Christmas M&Ms (or your favorite color)
• ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (use jimmies for best results)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars! Here are some fun ideas to give them a twist:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Swap out half of the M&Ms for chocolate chips for an indulgent touch.
• Different Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for other holidays or celebrations.
• Flavor Boost: Experiment with different extracts like almond or peppermint for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your bars bake evenly. Line a 9×13” metal pan with foil and spray it well with cooking spray. Avoid using a glass pan as it can affect baking time.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar using either a stand mixer or hand mixer until crumbly. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the mixture, leading to lighter bars. Then add in those two large eggs and the vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients! Mix in the salt and baking powder before gradually adding the all-purpose flour. Stir until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars. Finally, fold in those festive M&Ms and sprinkles!

Step 4: Spread into Pan

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Since this dough is wet, I recommend spraying your hands with cooking spray before smoothing it out. This will help you achieve an even layer without too much stickiness!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake in your preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes until they start turning golden on top. Remember, it’s better if they are slightly underbaked because they will continue cooking while cooling down. Once done, slice them into bars after cooling.

Step 6: Store or Share

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days—or freeze them for up to a month! These cookie bars make wonderful gifts too; just package them nicely, and you have a thoughtful treat ready to share!

Happy baking! Enjoy every gooey bite of these delightful Christmas Cookie Bars!

Pro Tips for Making GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Making these GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars is a joyful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter that bakes evenly.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough rather than soft and gooey.
• Check for Doneness Early: Since ovens can vary, start checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. You want them just set but still soft in the center.
• Let Them Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allowing the bars to cool ensures they set properly, making it easier to cut them into perfect squares without falling apart.
• Experiment with Mix-ins: While M&Ms and sprinkles are festive, feel free to swap in your favorite chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for a personalized touch!

How to Serve GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

These delightful bars are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can enhance the holiday spirit at your gatherings!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of this dairy-free cream on top adds a light and fluffy touch that complements the sweetness of the bars.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate adds an elegant finish and extra flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Almond Milk: This creamy beverage pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookie bars and offers a refreshing contrast.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Combining seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and apples creates a bright and tart side that balances the richness of the bars.
• Ice Cream (Dairy-Free): A scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream alongside warm cookie bars makes for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.
• Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich and cozy hot chocolate flavored with cinnamon or peppermint is a delightful drink option that complements the festive nature of your dessert.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars are sure to be a hit this holiday season! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends—they’re bound to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

These GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the holiday season or share with loved ones!

Storing Leftovers

• Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• If you notice them getting a bit dry, add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to a month. Just label the date so you know when to enjoy them!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply remove a bar from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop up while making your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars.

Can I use other types of M&Ms in the GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the Christmas M&Ms for any seasonal colors or even plain chocolate M&Ms. The versatility makes this recipe even more fun!

How do I make my GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars softer?

To achieve that extra gooey texture, be sure not to overbake them. They should be slightly undercooked when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to set while cooling.

Can I substitute another type of flour in this recipe?

Yes! You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for added flavor and texture. These additions can elevate your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars even more!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely! These cookie bars are great for making ahead. Just store them properly and follow the reheating instructions when you’re ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars this holiday season! They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of happiness that can bring smiles to faces young and old alike. Enjoy sharing these delightful bars with family and friends, or keep them all for yourself—they’re that good! Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and sweetness!