Description
Festive and easy-to-make Christmas Cookie Bars, perfect for holiday baking. These bars are topped with a simple vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s or chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting, optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting, optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for frosting, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting, optional)
- Green or red food coloring (optional, for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the M&M’s/chocolate chips and 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles by hand.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the Frosting (optional): In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to make it festive.
- Once bars are completely cooled, spread frosting evenly over the top. Immediately add extra Christmas sprinkles.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
- Do not overbake to keep the bars moist.
- The frosting is optional; the bars are delicious plain as well.
- Cool the bars completely before applying frosting.