GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress, you’ve found it! This GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional blondies, packed with festive M&Ms and colorful sprinkles. They’re not just tasty; they’re also incredibly simple to whip up, making them great for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season or share them with friends and family as sweet gifts.

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar where every mouthful bursts with flavor and joy. These cookie bars are bound to become a favorite in your home during this magical time of year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time.
• Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch to gift to friends or bring along to holiday parties—everyone will love them!
• Kid-friendly fun: Making these bars is a great kitchen activity for kids. They’ll enjoy mixing in the M&Ms and sprinkles!
• Freezer-friendly: Stock up for the holidays by freezing extras for later enjoyment without any hassle.
• Deliciously gooey: These bars are perfectly chewy with just the right amount of sweetness—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll only need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these scrumptious cookie bars!

For the Cookie Bars

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms (or your favorite color)
• ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (use jimmies for best results)

Variations

This GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add nuts: Chop up some walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Change up the candy: Swap out Christmas M&Ms for chocolate chips or peanut butter chips if you prefer.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy spice.
• Make it festive: Try using different types of sprinkles for various holidays or occasions—there’s no limit to how fun these can be!

How to Make GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that our cookie bars bake evenly. While that’s heating up, line a 9×13” metal pan with foil and spray it well with cooking spray. Remember not to use a glass pan; metal works best here.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Use either a stand mixer or hand mixer until it becomes crumbly. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. This step creates a rich base that gives our bars their gooey texture!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle in the salt, baking powder, and then add the all-purpose flour. Stir slowly until everything is combined. Finally, fold in those cheerful Christmas M&Ms and colorful sprinkles. The vibrant colors will make your cookie bars look as delightful as they taste!

Step 4: Spread into Pan

Scoop the mixture into your prepared pan. Since this dough is quite wet, lightly spray your hands with cooking spray and use them to spread out the mixture evenly. Don’t forget to save some M&Ms and sprinkles for topping—this adds an extra festive touch!

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them just golden at the edges but still soft in the middle—they will continue baking slightly after you take them out. Once baked, let them cool a bit before slicing them into bars.

Now you’re ready to store these beauties! Keep them in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze some for later enjoyment. Enjoy sharing this delightful GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe with everyone you love this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Baking is all about joy and a little know-how can elevate your cookie bars to perfection! Here are some pro tips to ensure your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars turn out just right:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and ensures everything mixes evenly, leading to better texture in your cookie bars.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for that tender, gooey goodness!
• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. This indicates they’re perfectly baked without being dry.
• Let them cool before slicing: Allowing the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes will help them set properly, making slicing easier and cleaner.
• Customize with your favorite mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the M&Ms for chocolate chips or nuts if you like! Personalizing these bars will make them even more special.

How to Serve GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Presenting your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars in an appealing way can make them even more festive and inviting. Here are some delightful ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop on top adds a creamy contrast that complements the sweetness of the bars.
• A sprinkle of sea salt: Just a pinch can enhance the flavors of your cookie bars, balancing sweetness with a touch of savory.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an extra decadent look.

Side Dishes

• Coconut milk ice cream: This creamy treat pairs beautifully with warm cookie bars, adding a refreshing contrast that is sure to delight.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits provides a light and vibrant side that balances the richness of the cookie bars.
• Hot cocoa: A warm mug of this classic drink makes for an inviting pairing, especially during chilly holiday gatherings.
• Coffee or tea: Offering a warm beverage alongside your dessert not only enhances flavors but also creates a cozy atmosphere.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars will be the star of any holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite and share the joy with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

These GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat without the rush. You can easily make them ahead of time and have them ready for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• If you live in a warm climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove bars from the fridge or freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
• Warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warm and gooey again.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

What makes the GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe so special?

The secret lies in the balance of moistness and flavor, enhanced by brown sugar and holiday M&Ms! The soft texture paired with colorful sprinkles makes these bars irresistible during the holiday season.

Can I use different mix-ins for the GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out Christmas M&Ms for your favorite chocolate candies or add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Get creative with your toppings!

How do I ensure my GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars turn out perfectly?

To avoid overbaking, keep an eye on them as they bake. They should turn golden but still look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they’ll firm up as they cool.

Are GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars suitable for gift-giving?

Yes! These cookie bars make fantastic gifts. Just package them nicely in a festive tin or box, and your friends and family will love receiving such a thoughtful treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope this GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe brings joy to your holiday celebrations! With their sweet, festive flair, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy making them, sharing them, and indulging in their delightful gooeyness. Happy baking!