When the first hints of winter chill begin to creep in, my thoughts inevitably turn to the warmth of the kitchen, the laughter of friends, and the sweet scent of holiday treats. One bite of these Festive Christmas Cookie Bars transports me back to my childhood, where colorful sprinkles and the aroma of melting chocolate filled the air. With a delightful blend of chewy caramel, rich chocolate, and the crunch of pretzels, these bars are an irresistible fusion of flavors that capture the essence of the season in each bite.

The beauty of these cookie bars lies in their simplicity. Just mix, press, and bake! Whether you’re whipping them up for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, this easy recipe invites creativity. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins and create your own versions that your family will love. So let’s gather the ingredients, turn up some holiday tunes, and dive into the joy of baking these delicious Everything Nice Treats that are sure to steal the show this holiday season!

Why love these Festive Christmas Cookie Bars?

Simplicity at Its Finest: This recipe is a breeze, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Customizable Delight: Feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients, from nuts to chocolate varieties, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holiday parties, these bars bring people together with their colorful, festive appeal.

Time-Saving Fun: With just one baking dish and minimal prep, you’ll have more time to enjoy the celebrations.

Nostalgic Flavor Combo: The rich chocolate, chewy caramel, and salty pretzel crunch create a delightful taste experience that evokes warm memories.

Whether you’re looking to create a lasting tradition or a last-minute treat, these bars are sure to please! And for another festive touch, try my delicious Christmas Truffles Bake alongside them!

Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Ingredients

• Get ready for a sweet holiday adventure!

For the Base

Unsalted Butter (¾ cup) – Adds richness and moisture; allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs.
Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – Provides moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the bars wonderfully.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Adds sweetness and helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
Large Egg + Extra Egg Yolk (1 whole + 1 yolk) – Binds the ingredients for a perfect chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons) – Elevates the flavor profile with its warm, inviting aroma.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Acts as a leavening agent, giving the bars a lovely rise.
Baking Powder (¼ teaspoon) – Additional leavening that ensures a light and fluffy texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances all the delightful flavors.

For the Mix-Ins

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Provides structure; adjust the amount if the dough is too sticky.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup) – Infuses a rich chocolate flavor throughout the bars.
Red & Green M&M’s (½ cup) – Adds vibrant color and sweetness for a festive touch!
Broken Pretzels (½ cup) – Contributes a salty crunch that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Chopped Chewy Caramels (½ cup) – Delivers gooey sweetness and a satisfying texture.
Holiday Sprinkles (2 tablespoons) – Sprinkles on top for a lovely festive flair!

These Festive Christmas Cookie Bars are not only simple and customizable but also bring a cheerful spirit to your holiday baking festivities!

How to Make Festive Christmas Cookie Bars

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Chop Caramels:
Chop chewy caramels into smaller bits. This helps them melt evenly, ensuring that every bar has delightful pockets of gooey goodness.
Melt Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly if steaming to prevent cooking the eggs when added, then combine with both sugars until smooth.
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the whole egg, the extra yolk, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
Blend in baking soda, baking powder, and salt, ensuring an even distribution for the perfect rise and texture.
Add Flour:
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful to avoid over-mixing; stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour.
Fold in Mix-Ins:
Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins: semi-sweet chocolate chips, red and green M&M’s, broken pretzels, caramel bits, and holiday sprinkles for that festive touch.
Press into Pan:
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. If you like, sprinkle a few more holiday sprinkles on top for that extra festive flair!
Bake:
Bake for about 18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center should be set but soft to ensure a chewy texture.
Cool and Cut:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy the festive flavors!

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy appearance before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Festive Christmas Cookie Bars?

When you’re ready to elevate your holiday gathering, these indulgent bars deserve some fabulous companions to make the celebration truly memorable.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream enhances the chewy textures, creating a luscious contrast to the bars’ sweetness.
Hot Cocoa: Treat yourself to a warm cup of rich hot cocoa. The chocolatey goodness pairs perfectly with the bars to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Mini Fruit Tarts: Their fresh and fruity flavor cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, adding a bright burst of flavor that compliments every bite.
Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, spiced drink brings comforting notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a festive atmosphere while perfectly balancing the sweet and salty notes of the bars.
Cheesecake Mousse: For those craving something richer, this light and fluffy dessert layers flavors beautifully, contrasting with the bars’ chewy texture.
Festive Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits not only adds a refreshing element but also enhances the visual appeal of your holiday table.

Pair these delightful options with your Festive Christmas Cookie Bars to create a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more!

How to Store and Freeze Festive Christmas Cookie Bars

Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but allow them to reach room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month, allowing you to save some festive Christmas cookie bars for later enjoyment.
Reheating: To enjoy bars directly from the freezer, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or heat in a microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm for a cozy, freshly-baked experience.

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only locks in freshness but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can chop the chewy caramels and measure out your mix-ins (like chocolate chips and M&M’s) ahead of time for even more convenience. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan and baking, ensuring your bars come out just as delicious and festive as if you made them fresh!

Expert Tips for Festive Christmas Cookie Bars

Cool the Butter: Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before combining it with eggs; hot butter can scramble the eggs, affecting the texture.
Don’t Overmix: Combine the flour just until there are no dry bits remaining. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the desired chewy consistency.
Check Doneness Early: Ovens can vary; use a toothpick to check the center after 15 minutes. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.
Adjust for Stickiness: If the dough feels too runny, add flour gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until it firms up to the right consistency for pressing into the pan.
Store Properly: Keep your festive Christmas cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful bars with your favorite flavors and textures!

Peppermint Bliss: Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate and mix in crushed candy canes for a refreshing twist. This holiday favorite exudes cheer with its peppermint crunch.
Nutty Elf: Replace pretzels with chopped salty peanuts for that satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor. They’re a great way to add protein and richness to your bars.
Fruity Joy: Swap in dried cranberries and white chocolate for a fruity combination that bursts with flavor and festive color. This variation is a delightful departure from the traditional chocolate!
Spiced Gingerbread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the flour for a cozy spice infusion. It’ll make your kitchen smell like Christmas!
S’mores Delight: Fold in mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs along with the mix-ins for a campfire-inspired treat that everyone will love.
Caramel Pecan: Mix in chopped pecans alongside the chewy caramels for a nutty, buttery experience that is simply irresistible. The crunchy pecans beautifully contrast with the gooey texture.
Batch Variation: For smaller gatherings, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 inch pan for a perfect-sized treat. It’s a clever way to minimize leftovers while still enjoying the festive flavors.
Ultimate Chocolate: Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips for an extra-rich chocolate experience. Chocolate lovers will rejoice with every gooey bite!

Embrace the holiday spirit and let these variations inspire your baking adventure!

Festive Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best ingredients for my Festive Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! When selecting your ingredients, opt for unsalted butter that’s at room temperature to ensure even mixing. Look for light brown sugar that’s moist and clumpy, indicating freshness, and check that your baking soda and powder are not expired for the best rise. Fresh eggs will yield a better texture, while semi-sweet chocolate chips should be high-quality to enhance the flavor.

How should I store my Festive Christmas Cookie Bars?
To keep your cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to enjoy them later, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.

Can I freeze the Festive Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm.

What if my cookie bar dough feels too runny?
Very common! If your dough seems runny, start by adding flour in one tablespoon increments until it firms up. Usually, it should come together nicely and be easy to press into your pan. It’s all about getting that right consistency for delicious, chewy bars!

Are these bars allergen-friendly for pets or those with allergies?
These Festive Christmas Cookie Bars contain ingredients like chocolate and possibly nuts, which are not safe for pets. Ensure you check for any specific allergies among your guests, particularly with ingredients like gluten from flour and dairy from butter. For a nut-free version, simply omit any nuts you might want to include.

How far ahead can I make my Festive Christmas Cookie Bars?
You can prepare the cookie bars up to 2 days in advance for gatherings! Just follow the storage tips above to keep them fresh. Baking them ahead can save time during the busy holiday season, allowing you to enjoy the celebrations without the last-minute rush!