Christmas Cookie Bars

Q: Can I double the batch for a larger pan?

Yes, double the ingredients for a 9x13 pan. Add 3–5 extra minutes to the baking time and check for doneness in the center.

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When the holiday season rolls in, nothing sets the mood quite like baking up a batch of rich, chewy Christmas cookie bars. These traybake treats are the perfect combination of soft-baked cookies and festive flair—thanks to holiday-colored M&Ms, warm cinnamon spice, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re prepping for a party, packing edible gifts, or looking for a quick dessert to whip up with the kids, this versatile treat fits right into your Christmas kitchen lineup.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Christmas fudge cake dessert for another rich holiday favorite.

Let’s explore everything from what makes these bars so crowd-pleasing to how you can customize them to suit every guest at your table.

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A fun twist on classic cookies

Forget chilling dough or shaping dozens of balls. Christmas cookie bars take your favorite cookie dough and transform it into a festive, sliceable traybake. This means less mess, faster prep, and guaranteed chewy centers every time. What’s more, the look of melted chocolate chips mixed with bold red and green M&Ms gives these bars a cozy, holiday-themed appearance that instantly lights up any dessert table.

Make-ahead magic for busy holidays

We all know the holiday season can get hectic. The beauty of these cookie bars is they can be made ahead of time and stored airtight for up to 5 days. You can even freeze the unbaked dough or the fully baked bars—talk about holiday baking that works around your schedule!
Don’t miss our freezer-friendly peanut butter bars that also hold up well for holiday prep.

Kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing & travel-safe

Unlike frosted cookies that smudge or crumble during transport, these bars are sturdy and perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or gifting. Kids love the burst of color and sweet chocolate, and adults appreciate the soft, chewy texture with a hint of holiday spice. It’s a rare win-win.

These are the kinds of treats that disappear before you even finish putting them out—so maybe make a double batch!

Holiday-themed mix-ins (M&Ms, sprinkles, chocolate chips)

What sets these cookie bars apart is their festive flair. A blend of red, green, and chocolate-colored M&Ms instantly gives a holiday pop. If you’re short on time, grab holiday M&M packs to skip the color sorting. Add milk chocolate chips for extra gooeyness or even swap in crushed candy canes for a peppermint kick.

Looking for more festive baking inspo? Check out our Grinch Christmas truffles.

The role of cinnamon and festive spices

A pinch of cinnamon in the dough adds that signature Christmas warmth, blending beautifully with vanilla and brown sugar. Prefer something spicier? Try swapping cinnamon for ginger or nutmeg to customize the flavor profile.
Discover great ideas like our super ginger molasses cookies for more spice-forward holiday treats.

Substitutions for allergies or dietary needs

Got guests who are gluten-free or dairy-sensitive? No problem. Use a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute and swap the butter with plant-based alternatives. For egg-free versions, mashed banana, flaxseed mix, or unsweetened applesauce all do the trick—just note the texture may vary slightly.

Want a festive breakfast alternative? Don’t miss our gingerbread pancakes.

Ingredients & measurements

To make a festive 9×9 inch tray of Christmas cookie bars, you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
Plain flour	275g
Bicarbonate of soda	1 tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Cornflour	1 tbsp
Ground cinnamon	1 tsp
Unsalted butter (melted)	115g
Granulated sugar	55g
Light brown sugar	135g
Medium egg	1
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Holiday M&Ms (red/green/brown)	200g
Milk chocolate chips	150g

Pro tip: Use holiday-specific M&M packs or sort regular ones manually. The red and green combo gives that unmistakable Christmas look!

Preparation method and baking tips

Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or 375°F. Line a 9×9 inch square tin with parchment.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt, cornflour, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Melt the butter, then whisk in granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Whisk again until combined.
Fold in the dry mix, chocolate chips, and most of the M&Ms until a thick dough forms.
Press into your lined tin, then top with remaining M&Ms.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top looks set and dry.
Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.

You can cut into 16 squares or 25 mini bites for sharing.
Check out our chocolate chip banana cookies if you’re craving more soft-baked delights.

Storage, freezing, and reheating

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze in layers (with parchment between) in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
To serve warm, microwave for 10–15 seconds and optionally add ice cream for a gooey holiday dessert.

Want more freezer-friendly treats? Don’t miss our no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough truffles.

Creative Variations for Every Christmas Gathering

Want to lean into that nostalgic holiday flavor? Swap cinnamon for ground ginger and a pinch of cloves. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple icing glaze made of powdered sugar and milk. You can even use a gingerbread cookie cutter to pre-mark portions for themed trays!

Peppermint chocolate chunk version

Replace the M&Ms with crushed peppermint candies and use dark chocolate chunks instead of milk chips. The mint adds a refreshing crunch that pairs well with cocoa—plus it looks beautiful on a dessert platter.

Looking for something more peppermint-focused? Try our peppermint pie dessert for creamy holiday goodness.

Vegan and gluten-free adaptations

For a plant-based version:

Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Replace the egg with 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (let sit 10 minutes before using).
Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for texture.

Note: Vegan versions may be slightly less chewy but still delicious.
Discover great ideas like our baked sweet potato recipe for inclusive holiday sides.

Achieving the perfect chewy center

The secret to that bakery-style chew lies in the balance of sugars and baking time. Brown sugar keeps bars moist and chewy, while a slightly underbaked center ensures softness even after cooling. If the edges are golden and the center looks just set, you’re good to go.

Pro Tip: Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this helps them hold their shape.

What to avoid – common mistakes

Overbaking: Cookie bars continue cooking in the pan after you take them out. Take them out when the center is still soft.
Skipping the cornflour: It’s what gives that tender crumb.
Uneven spreading: Use a spatula or clean hands to press the dough evenly into the pan.

Using the right pan and tools

Stick to a light-colored 9×9 inch metal pan for even baking. Dark pans can overbrown the edges. Line with parchment for easy lift and cleaner slices.
Check out our baking gear recommendations on tools that help with consistent results.

Can I freeze Christmas cookie bars?

Yes! Wrap them in parchment and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15 seconds for a warm treat.

Can I make these cookie bars without cinnamon?

Absolutely. While cinnamon adds a warm holiday twist, you can omit it or use nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom instead.

How long do Christmas cookie bars last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temp, they’ll last about 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Can I double the batch for a larger pan?

Yes, double the ingredients for a 9×13 pan. Add 3–5 extra minutes to the baking time and check for doneness in the center.

Conclusion – Bake Joy with Every Bar This Christmas

If you’re searching for a no-fuss, make-ahead dessert that’s bursting with holiday cheer, Christmas cookie bars are your answer. With rich chocolate chips, holiday colors, and that chewy cookie texture, these bars are a guaranteed hit for every gathering.
Don’t miss our chessman banana pudding for another crowd-pleasing dessert this season.

Whether you’re baking with the kids, gifting treats to neighbors, or planning your Christmas dessert table, this recipe brings smiles in every bite.

Christmas Cookie Bars – The Ultimate Festive Treat Everyone Will Love