GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the joy of the holiday season, then this GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is the one for you! These cookie bars are not just delicious; they’re a celebration in every bite, dressed up with festive M&Ms and sprinkles that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors.

What makes these cookie bars so special is how easy they are to whip up. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again throughout the holidays. Not only do they look beautiful on any dessert table, but they also freeze wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy them long after the last decoration has come down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have these delicious bars ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a gooey cookie bar! These treats are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenient: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them in the freezer for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.
• Customizable Fun: You can easily switch up the mix-ins to match your favorite flavors or seasonal themes.
• Festive Touch: The colorful M&Ms and sprinkles make these bars perfect for holiday celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Grab these goodies and let’s get baking!

• 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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some variations to consider:

• Change the Mix-Ins: Swap out Christmas M&Ms for chocolate chips or nuts for a different flavor experience.
• Add Flavorings: Stir in a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor!
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Decorate Differently: Use seasonal themed sprinkles or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top after baking.

How to Make GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important because it ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line a 9×13” metal pan with foil and spray it well with cooking spray—this will help prevent sticking!

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Use either a stand mixer or hand mixer until the mixture is crumbly. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Next, combine the salt, baking powder, and finally stir in the flour. At this stage, fold in those cheerful Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles. Mixing them in not only adds color but also bursts of sweetness!

Step 3: Spread Evenly

Spread your cookie mixture into the prepared pan. Since it’s quite wet, I recommend spraying your hands with cooking spray to help flatten it out evenly. This will give you that perfect bar shape! Don’t forget to sprinkle any remaining M&Ms or sprinkles on top before baking—they’ll look so pretty once baked!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop those beauties into the oven for about 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake—the edges should start turning golden brown, but remember: it’s better to err on the side of underbaking! They will firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool & Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely before slicing into bars. Storing these delightful treats is easy too! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or freeze them if you’re saving some for later.

Enjoy sharing these GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars with loved ones—they’re bound to become a new holiday tradition!

Pro Tips for Making GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Baking these delightful cookie bars can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, creating a better texture in your bars.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for that perfect gooeyness.
• Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles for other festive options, like chocolate chips or nuts, to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Check for doneness carefully: Since these bars are meant to be gooey, keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool in the pan will help them set up nicely, making it easier to slice into perfect squares without crumbling.

How to Serve GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Serving these gooey delights can be as fun as making them! Here are some great ideas to present your cookie bars beautifully.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped coconut cream on top adds a lovely creamy texture and enhances the festive look.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the cooled bars can elevate their appearance and flavor.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste that complements the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Almond Milk: This nutty beverage pairs perfectly with your cookie bars, adding a creamy element that balances their sweetness.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and berries provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate is a cozy companion for these treats, especially during chilly holiday nights.
• Tea or Coffee: Offering a selection of herbal teas or coffee gives guests a comforting option that complements the dessert perfectly.

These serving suggestions will not only make your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars recipe shine but will also create a delightful experience for you and your loved ones! Enjoy baking and sharing this festive treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent treat to have on hand during the busy holiday season. You can whip up a batch in no time, and they’re easy to store or freeze for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.

Freezing

• Cut the cookie bars into squares before freezing.
• Place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking.
• They can be frozen for up to one month.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookie bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of cookie bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe that might help you out!

Can I modify the GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chocolate chips or other candies instead of M&Ms. Just ensure that any alternatives fit your dietary preferences.

How long will the GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these delicious bars will last for up to 4 days at room temperature, and they can be frozen for up to a month.

What makes these cookie bars gooey?

The combination of butter and brown sugar creates a chewy texture, while underbaking just slightly ensures that they remain soft and gooey in the center.

Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

What can I serve with my cookie bars?

These delightful bars pair wonderfully with a glass of cold almond milk or hot cocoa. They’re also great on their own as a sweet treat!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars as much as I do! They’re such a fun and festive dessert that brings joy to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), these cookie bars will surely spread holiday cheer. Happy baking!