When I first decided to try making a gluten-free version of M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But swapping in a gluten-free flour blend yielded deliciously chewy results that didn’t skimp on flavor. The festive M&M’s added the perfect holiday touch. If you’re curious about how to create this delightful treat, let’s explore the steps and tips that can make your baking experience both enjoyable and successful.
What kind of recipe is it?
The M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bar is a delightful dessert that combines the festive flavors of Christmas with the fun of classic cookies.
This treat is characterized by its chewy texture, rich chocolatey flavor, and vibrant bursts of colorful M&M candies throughout, making it visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookie bars are easy to make and ideal for bakers of all ages, appealing to families, kids, and anyone looking to add a joyful touch to their holiday celebrations.
Preparation Time
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of the Recipe | Easy |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Number of Servings | 12-16 servings |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| M&M’s (Christmas-themed) | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| White chocolate chips | 1/2 cup |
| Red and green sprinkles | 1/4 cup |
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences or dietary needs, but these measurements should yield a delicious M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bar!
Essential Kitchen Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium) | Used for combining ingredients. A large bowl is for wet ingredients, and a medium for dry. | Any large, clean bowl or oversized pot |
| Measuring Cups (Dry and Liquid) | Essential for accurately measuring flour, sugar, and other ingredients. | Use standard kitchen cups for estimates |
| Measuring Spoons | Used to measure small quantities of ingredients like baking soda and vanilla extract. | Small cups or spoons for approximation |
| Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer | Ideal for creaming butter and sugars and for whipping the batter until light and fluffy. | A whisk and some elbow grease can do the job! |
| Rubber Spatula | Great for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly. | A silicone spoon or wooden spatula can work as well |
| Wooden Spoon | Useful for mixing ingredients together, especially when folding in M&M’s and chocolate chips. | A sturdy plastic or metal spoon can be a substitute |
| Baking Sheets (2-3) | Needed for placing cookie bars in the oven. | Any flat oven-safe tray can be used if needed |
| Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats | Prevents sticking of the cookie bars to the baking sheets and makes cleaning easier. | Greasing the baking sheets with butter or oil works too |
| Cookie Scoop or Spoon | Helps portion out the cookie batter evenly to ensure uniform baking. | A tablespoon can work for scooping if a cookie scoop isn’t available |
| Cooling Rack | Allows baked cookie bars to cool evenly without becoming soggy. | A heat-safe plate or countertop can work temporarily |
| Oven Thermometer | Ensures that your oven is at the right temperature for baking, which is crucial for good results. | If unavailable, simply bake using the oven’s built-in settings, but keep an eye on bake times |
This equipment will help you create a delightful M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bar, ensuring a smooth baking experience. Happy baking!
Cooking Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Position the oven rack in the center for even baking.
2. Prepare a baking sheet (33 x 23 cm / 13 x 9 inches) by lining it with parchment paper. Leave a slight overhang for easy removal of the cookie bars later.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 226 g (1 cup) of softened unsalted butter with 150 g (3/4 cup) of granulated sugar and 150 g (3/4 cup) of packed brown sugar using a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, mix in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of vanilla extract until the mixture is combined.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 210 g (1 ½ cups) of all-purpose flour, 2 g (1/4 teaspoon) of baking soda, and 2 g (1/4 teaspoon) of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Gently fold in 175 g (1 cup) of M&M’s and 170 g (1 cup) of chocolate chips using a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without over-mixing the batter.
7. Pour the cookie batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly using the spatula. Make sure to smooth out the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should retain a slightly soft texture without appearing wet (about 90 °C (194 °F) in the center if using a thermometer).
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack for about 15-20 minutes.
Utilize the overhang of the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan to cool completely on the rack.
10. Allow the cookie bars to cool for an additional 30-45 minutes until they firm up before cutting into squares or rectangles for serving.
The final texture should be soft but set, with a slightly chewy center.
11. Enjoy as a delightful addition to your holiday festivities!
Variations
- Peanut Butter M&M Cookie Bars: Substitute 115 g (1/2 cup) of the butter with 115 g (1/2 cup) of creamy peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Cookie Bars: Use 210 g (1 ½ cups) of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free option.
- Vegan Cookie Bars: Replace the butter with 226 g (1 cup) of coconut oil and the eggs with 60 ml (1/4 cup) of unsweetened applesauce for a plant-based treat.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan butter substitute for those avoiding dairy.
- Spiced Holiday Bars: Add 5 g (1 teaspoon) of cinnamon and 2 g (1/2 teaspoon) of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a festive flavor twist.
- Mint Chocolate Cookie Bars: Incorporate 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of peppermint extract and replace half of the chocolate chips with mint-flavored chocolate for a refreshing holiday treat.
- S’mores Cookie Bars: Mix in 100 g (1 cup) of mini marshmallows and 50 g (1/2 cup) of graham cracker crumbs in place of half the flour for a s’mores-inspired version.
- Cooking Method Variation: Cook in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours for a gooey, soft texture while retaining all the flavor.
Tips on plating and presentation
Have you ever wondered how to make your M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars look as delightful as they taste?
I love using garnishing techniques like adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate on top.
For serving suggestions, cut them into festive shapes and place them on a colorful platter, maybe with some holiday-themed decorations to really wow your guests!
What other dishes can I pair it with?
What other dishes can complement my M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars? I love adding a variety of holiday snacks to my dessert platter.
Consider including peppermint bark, festive sugar cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels. The colors and flavors create a delightful spread that guests enjoy.
These combinations not only enhance the presentation but also keep the holiday spirit lively and fun.
What drinks can I pair it with?
When it comes to pairing drinks with M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars, I’ve found a few festive options that truly enhance the experience.
I love enjoying them with rich milk options, like chocolate or almond milk, which complement the sweetness perfectly.
For something more spirited, festive cocktails with cranberry and orange flavors work wonders, adding a delightful contrast to the cookie bars’ sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate in This Recipe?
Absolutely! I love experimenting with different chocolate varieties to enhance cookie flavor. It’s fun to mix dark, milk, or even white chocolate to create a unique twist. Go ahead and try your favorites!
How Should I Store Leftovers of the Cookie Bar?
I store my cookie bar in airtight containers to keep them fresh. For best results, I recommend placing parchment paper between layers. These storing tips help maintain flavor and texture for future indulgence!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can definitely make this recipe dairy-free! I use dairy substitutes like coconut milk or almond milk, and for butter, I opt for vegan options. It still turns out delicious and satisfying!
Can I Freeze the M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze cookie bars! To maintain their texture, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw them in the fridge to keep them soft and delicious when you’re ready to enjoy!
How Long Do These Cookie Bars Last After Baking?
I’ve found that these cookie bars last about a week after baking. Their texture will change slightly, and different flavor variations can impact freshness, but they’re still delicious for several days if stored properly.