Chewy, festive, and packed with holiday cheer, these Christmas Bar Cookies are my go-to treat when I want something simple yet irresistible. With melty chocolate chips, crunchy M&M’s, and colorful sprinkles, they bring joy to any gathering—whether I’m hosting a party, attending a cookie exchange, or just curling up with a movie at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy these cookie bars are to make—no chilling, rolling, or scooping required. Just mix, spread, and bake. The combination of gooey chocolate, sweet holiday M&M’s, and jimmies makes every bite feel like Christmas. Plus, the soft and chewy texture with a slightly crisp edge hits the perfect cookie bar balance.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup red & green M&M’s
¼ cup Christmas jimmies
Extra Christmas sprinkles (for topping)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, I whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth.

3. I add in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is fully combined.

4. Next, I mix in the flour and salt just until the batter comes together.

5. Then I fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and jimmies.

6. I spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.

7. I bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the center is set.

8. While the bars are still warm, I sprinkle extra Christmas sprinkles over the top.

9. I let them cool completely before slicing them into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 to 16 cookie bars depending on how big I slice them.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I sometimes use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. I’ve also swapped in crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist or used peanut butter M&M’s for a more indulgent flavor. If I’m short on jimmies, I just stick with extra M&M’s and sprinkles on top for that classic holiday look.

storage/reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—they stay soft and chewy the whole time. If I want to make them ahead, I freeze the cut bars between layers of parchment in a sealed container. When I’m ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temp or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that warm, fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

I check that the edges are golden brown and the center looks set—not jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. The bake time may increase slightly, so I keep an eye on the center for doneness.

Do I have to use parchment paper?

I prefer using parchment paper because it makes removing the bars and cleanup much easier, but I’ve also had success with greasing the pan well.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, and they still turn out chewy and delicious.

What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?

I let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife, sometimes wiping it between cuts. If I’m going for perfect edges, I chill the bars first before slicing.

Conclusion

These Christmas Bar Cookies are a festive favorite in my holiday baking lineup. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m gifting them, serving them at a gathering, or enjoying one with hot cocoa, they never disappoint.