Christmas Cookie Bars
Recipe for chewy brown sugar cookie bars loaded with holiday M&Ms perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 c brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 t vanilla extract
- 1/2 t salt
- 1 t baking powder
- 2 c all purpose flour
- 1 c Christmas M&Ms plus a handful for the top
- 1/4 c Christmas jimmies sprinkles
Instructions
- Set out the butter to soften. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a 9x13 inch metal baking pan with parchment, leaving overhang on the long sides to help lift it out in one piece after it's done baking.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the M&Ms and sprinkles, reserving a handful of M&Ms to press into the top of the soft dough.
- With the back of a large spoon or slightly wet hands: Press the dough into the parchment lined pan in an even layer.
- Bake at 350 for 22 to 25 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still looks slightly soft.
- Cool completely in the pan by setting it on a wire rack or trivet for airflow. Lift out with the parchment onto a cutting board, and cut into 15 squares. For snack sizes, cut into 20 squares.
Notes
Use a metal pan with one- or two-inch sides.
Store airtight on the counter for 4 to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months with parchment between layers.
Swap the M&M colors for any holiday: pastels for Easter, orange for Halloween, red and pink for Valentine’s Day.
Nutrition
Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 128mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 252IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg
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