Cookie Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a festive, easy-to-make dessert to impress your friends and family this holiday season, look no further than these Cookie Bars. Packed with colorful sprinkles and M&Ms, they offer the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and slightly crispy goodness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just want a fun activity to do with your kids, this recipe is guaranteed to bring holiday cheer into your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: These bars come together in one bowl and are baked in just about 25 minutes.
- Festive & Fun: The M&Ms and sprinkles make these bars vibrant and perfect for any holiday occasion.
- Customizable: Swap out the M&Ms and sprinkles for other colors or add-ins to make them fit any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor, these cookie bars will be loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make these Cookie Bars irresistible:
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup/113g): Provides the richness and moisture needed for soft and chewy cookie bars.
- Brown Sugar (2 cups/400g): Gives the bars a deep, caramel-like flavor while keeping them chewy.
- Eggs (2 large): Helps bind the ingredients together while giving the bars structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, sweet flavor to enhance the overall taste.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures that the cookie bars rise properly and stay light and tender.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups/248g): The base of the dough that provides structure to the bars.
- M&Ms (1 cup): Adds color and a crunchy texture. You can substitute these with any seasonal candy.
- Sprinkles (½ cup): Use “jimmies” for best results as they don’t melt into the dough. Adds a festive touch and a slight crunch.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cookie Bars
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- 9×13” Metal Pan: Perfect size for even baking.
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Mixing Bowls: One for mixing the dough.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar together.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out your ingredients accurately.
- Spatula: For spreading the dough evenly in the pan.
- Cooling Rack: To cool your bars after baking.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cookie Bars
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13” metal pan with foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray the foil generously with non-stick cooking spray. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until they become light and crumbly. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. - Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix in the salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher bars. - Incorporate the Mix-ins
Gently fold in the M&Ms and sprinkles, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking. This adds extra bursts of color on the surface. - Spread the Dough in the Pan
The dough will be sticky, so spray your hands with a little cooking spray to help smooth it evenly across the pan. - Bake
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The bars may seem slightly underbaked in the center, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. - Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. After cooling, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang and slice them into squares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cookie Bars
- Overmixing the Dough: This can make your cookie bars dense and tough. Mix the flour until just combined.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking will lead to dry and hard cookie bars.
- Using the Wrong Sprinkles: Avoid nonpareils (the little round sprinkles) as they tend to bleed color into the dough. Stick with jimmies for the best results.
Tips for Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookie Bars
- Underbake Slightly: Pull the bars out of the oven when they are just barely golden at the edges. They will continue to firm up as they cool, keeping the centers chewy.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients incorporate smoothly and leads to a more even bake.
How to Store Cookie Bars
To keep your Cookie Bars fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Serving Suggestions for Cookie Bars
These bars are perfect for any holiday dessert spread. You can:
- Serve them on a large platter with a variety of other holiday treats.
- Add them to a dessert table alongside other festive cookies.
- Package them in holiday-themed treat bags and give them as gifts to friends and neighbors.
Cookie Bar Variations & Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra layer of flavor, mix in white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Nuts: Add a ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
- Candy Canes: Crush some candy canes and sprinkle them on top for an extra festive twist.
FAQ Section
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! You can double the recipe and bake it in two 9×13” pans or in a larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
What sprinkles work best?
Stick with jimmies or similar shaped sprinkles, as they don’t melt and bleed into the dough.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. They freeze very well for up to a month. Wrap them individually for easy grab-and-go treats.
conclusion
Ready to bake up some holiday magic? Try these Cookie Bars for your next gathering and watch them disappear! Don’t forget to share your creations with us, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more festive recipes that will make your holiday season sweeter!
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Cookie Bars Recipe
Make these soft and chewy Cookie Bars for a fun, festive holiday treat. Packed with M&Ms and sprinkles, they’re perfect for parties!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24
Ingredients
Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make these Cookie Bars irresistible:
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup/113g): Provides the richness and moisture needed for soft and chewy cookie bars.
- Brown Sugar (2 cups/400g): Gives the bars a deep, caramel-like flavor while keeping them chewy.
- Eggs (2 large): Helps bind the ingredients together while giving the bars structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, sweet flavor to enhance the overall taste.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures that the cookie bars rise properly and stay light and tender.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups/248g): The base of the dough that provides structure to the bars.
- M&Ms (1 cup): Adds color and a crunchy texture. You can substitute these with any seasonal candy.
- Sprinkles (½ cup): Use “jimmies” for best results as they don’t melt into the dough. Adds a festive touch and a slight crunch.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13” metal pan with foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Spray the foil generously with non-stick cooking spray. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until they become light and crumbly. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. - Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix in the salt, baking powder, and all-purpose flour until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher bars. - Incorporate the Mix-ins
Gently fold in the M&Ms and sprinkles, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking. This adds extra bursts of color on the surface. - Spread the Dough in the Pan
The dough will be sticky, so spray your hands with a little cooking spray to help smooth it evenly across the pan. - Bake
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The bars may seem slightly underbaked in the center, but they will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. - Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack. After cooling, lift the bars out of the pan using the foil overhang and slice them into squares.
Notes
- Overmixing the Dough: This can make your cookie bars dense and tough. Mix the flour until just combined.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking will lead to dry and hard cookie bars.
- Using the Wrong Sprinkles: Avoid nonpareils (the little round sprinkles) as they tend to bleed color into the dough. Stick with jimmies for the best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert