These indulgent, chewy cookie bars combine the classic flavors of a buttery brown sugar base with festive holiday touches. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or delightful homemade gifts.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for even mixing
- 2 cups (440g) packed brown sugar – use dark brown sugar for richer molasses flavor
- 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature for better incorporation
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – use high-quality extract for best flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt to enhance sweetness
- 1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder for optimal rise
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup holiday-colored M&Ms, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup Christmas jimmies sprinkles (rod-shaped work better than nonpareils)
Essential Equipment:
- 9×13-inch metal baking pan
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Instructions:
- Preparation (15-20 minutes):
- Position rack in center of oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Line pan with foil, leaving 2-inch overhang for easy removal
- Spray foil generously with cooking spray, including sides
- Making the Base (10-12 minutes):
- Cream butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute)
- Add brown sugar gradually, mixing until thoroughly combined
- Beat mixture until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes)
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
- Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated
- Adding Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together salt, baking powder, and flour in separate bowl
- Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients on low speed
- Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing
- Fold in 3/4 cup M&Ms and 1/3 cup sprinkles
- Assembly and Baking:
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan
- Spray hands with cooking spray
- Gently press and spread dough evenly to corners
- Sprinkle remaining M&Ms and sprinkles on top
- Press toppings lightly into dough
- Baking Guidelines:
- Bake 22-25 minutes until edges are lightly golden
- Center should be slightly underdone
- Look for slight jiggle in center when pan is gently shaken
- Remove when edges are set but middle seems slightly underbaked
- Cooling and Storage:
- Cool completely in pan on wire rack (1-2 hours)
- Use foil overhang to lift bars from pan
- Cut into 24 squares using sharp knife
- Clean knife between cuts for neat edges
- Store in airtight container, layers separated by wax paper
- Keep at room temperature up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 1 month in freezer-safe container
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If bars seem too soft: Let cool completely before cutting
- If mixture is too sticky: Chill dough for 10 minutes before spreading
- For cleaner cuts: Refrigerate bars for 30 minutes before slicing
These festive bars should have a soft, chewy texture with slightly crisp edges and a beautiful holiday appearance from the colorful M&Ms and sprinkles scattered throughout.