I recently tried making M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars with brown butter, and the results were surprisingly delightful. The nutty, rich flavor from the brown butter added a unique twist to the classic cookie bars. As I took a bite, the chewy texture combined with vibrant bursts of M&M’s was simply irresistible. Curious about how to replicate this deliciousness and impress your guests? There’s more to explore about this festive treat.
What kind of recipe is it?
The M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bar is a festive and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season.
This dessert combines rich, buttery cookie dough with colorful M&M’s, creating a visually appealing and deliciously chewy bar.
Its special features include ease of preparation and the ability to be cut into squares for sharing, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges.
It’s aimed at bakers of all skill levels, especially families looking to create sweet memories together during Christmas.
Preparation Time
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of the Recipe | Easy |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Number of Servings | 24 squares (depending on cutting size) |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup |
| Egg | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| M&M’s (Christmas mix) | 1 1/2 cups |
| White chocolate chips | 1 cup |
This table provides the necessary ingredients and their respective quantities for the M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bar recipe.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowls (large and medium) | Used to combine and mix ingredients thoroughly. | Any large, heatproof bowl or containers like large salad bowls. |
| Measuring cups (dry and liquid) | Essential for accurately measuring out ingredients like flour, sugar, and liquids. | Standard cups or glasses marked with measurements. |
| Measuring spoons | Used for measuring small quantities of ingredients such as baking powder and salt. | Tablespoon and teaspoon from regular kitchen cutlery. |
| Stand mixer or hand mixer | Helps in mixing the batter evenly and incorporating air for fluffiness. | Whisking by hand with a whisk or fork (may take longer). |
| Rubber spatula | Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding in M&M’s and white chocolate chips. | A wooden or silicone spoon can be used, but not as effective at scraping. |
| Wooden spoon | Good for mixing ingredients that may not require a mixer and for combining larger batches. | Plastic or metal spoons can be used as alternatives. |
| Baking sheets (2-3) | Provides a flat surface for baking the cookie bars evenly. | Any flat oven-safe trays or even a large casserole dish. |
| Parchment paper or silicone mats | Keeps cookie bars from sticking to the baking sheets and makes for easy cleanup. | Lightly greased baking sheets as an alternative. |
| Cookie scoop or spoon | Used to portion out the cookie bar batter evenly onto the baking sheets. | A regular spoon can be used, although portions may vary. |
| Cooling rack | Allows cookie bars to cool evenly and prevents sogginess by promoting airflow. | A flat surface like a cutting board can be used, but will not cool as effectively. |
| Oven thermometer | Ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for baking, leading to optimal results. | Manual checks or newer ovens may have built-in settings, though less reliable. |
This table outlines the essential kitchen equipment needed for the M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bar recipe, explaining each item’s function and offering budget-friendly alternatives.
Cooking Steps
- Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Position the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 225 g (1 cup) unsalted butter and 250 g (1 ¼ cups) granulated sugar using a stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract. Continue mixing until combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 300 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour, 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined; don’t overmix.
- Gently fold in 200 g (1 ½ cups) M&M’s and 120 g (¾ cup) white chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. The batter should be thick and chunky.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using an offset spatula, smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pan to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cookie bars out of the pan. Allow them to cool completely on the wire rack for about 30–45 minutes.
- For optimal taste and texture, let the cookie bars rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature before slicing into squares.
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add 100 g (1 cup) chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute unsalted butter with 225 g (1 cup) coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly option.
- Gluten-Free Cookie Bar: Replace all-purpose flour with 300 g (3 cups) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free adaptation.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Incorporate 120 g (½ cup) of peanut butter into the batter, swirling it on top before baking for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Seasonal Pumpkin Spice: Add 125 g (½ cup) canned pumpkin puree and 5 g (1 teaspoon) pumpkin spice, replacing 50 g (⅓ cup) of the flour for a festive twist.
- Cocoa Infusion: Mix in 40 g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder and reduce flour to 260 g (2 ¼ cups) for a chocolatey version.
- Bar Variation: Spread the batter into a smaller pan (20 x 20 cm or 8 x 8 inches) for thicker cookie bars that take longer to bake (30-35 minutes).
- Frozen Treat: After baking, freeze the cooled bars in a single layer for 1-2 hours for a refreshing summer dessert option.
Tips on plating and presentation
To make your M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars truly stand out, think about the way you present them.
Use simple plating techniques like stacking or arranging them on a festive platter. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair.
You could also garnish with fresh mint leaves or cranberries to enhance the holiday vibe.
Happy plating!
What other dishes can I pair it with?
After you’ve plated your stunning M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars, you might be wondering what other dishes can complement them perfectly.
A festive side like roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze adds a savory balance.
For dessert pairing, consider serving them alongside a warm scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture and cold temperature contrast beautifully with the bars, creating a festive treat.
What drinks can I pair it with?
While enjoying your M&M’s Christmas Cookie Bars, it’s important to find the perfect drinks to elevate your festive experience.
I love pairing these delicious bars with a rich cup of coffee; it really enhances the flavor.
If you’re in the mood for something more spirited, try a festive cocktail like a peppermint martini.
Both options will surely complement your treat beautifully!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Chocolate Instead of M&M’s?
Absolutely, you can use different chocolate substitutions! I’ve experimented with chocolate chips, chunks, or even white chocolate. Each option brings its own flavor variations, creating a delicious twist on traditional recipes. Enjoy your baking adventure!
How Long Can I Store the Cookie Bars?
I usually store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They last about a week for best flavor, but with proper storage tips, you can extend their shelf life up to two weeks.
Are There Gluten-Free Options Available for This Recipe?
Yes, there are gluten-free options for this recipe! I use gluten-free ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour as alternative flours. They work great and still give the cookie bars a delicious taste and texture.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Bars for Later?
Yes, I can freeze the cookie bars! For freezing tips, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. For thawing advice, let them sit at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy them later!
What Is the Nutritional Information for This Dessert?
The caloric content for a typical serving size of this dessert is around 200 calories, but it varies based on ingredients. I always check the label to get accurate nutritional information for my treats!