Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Holiday Baking Classic

Few holiday desserts capture the joy of the season quite like Chewy Christmas M&M Cookie Bars. With their soft, buttery centers, golden edges, and festive red and green candy shells scattered throughout, these bars feel like Christmas wrapped up in dessert form. They’re cheerful, nostalgic, and irresistibly easy—making them perfect for busy holiday schedules, cookie swaps, school parties, and cozy nights at home.

Unlike traditional cookies that require scooping, chilling, and multiple baking batches, cookie bars deliver everything we love about cookies in a simpler, more efficient format. One pan, one bake, and dozens of servings later, you’re left with a dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal effort. That’s exactly why Christmas cookie bars have become a holiday baking staple in so many homes.

These chewy Christmas M&M cookie bars strike the perfect balance between soft and structured. The centers stay tender and slightly gooey, while the edges bake up just enough to give a satisfying bite. Every square is packed with buttery vanilla flavor, brown sugar depth, and pops of chocolate from the M&M’s—making each bite festive and comforting.

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Why Chewy Cookie Bars Are a Holiday Favorite

Holiday baking can quickly become overwhelming. Between decorating cookies, wrapping gifts, and hosting family gatherings, time is always in short supply. That’s where easy Christmas baking recipes like these cookie bars shine.

Cookie bars:

• Require less prep than individual cookies
• Bake evenly in one pan
• Cut cleanly for sharing
• Travel well for gifting and parties
• Stay soft longer than cookies

Because they’re thicker than cookies, they also hold moisture better—meaning you can bake them a day or two ahead without sacrificing texture. This makes holiday dessert bars ideal for planning ahead.

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What Makes These Christmas M&M Cookie Bars Extra Chewy

The secret to chewiness lies in a few smart ingredient choices and techniques:

• Brown sugar over white sugar adds moisture and depth
• Melted butter creates a denser, fudgier texture
• One whole egg plus one yolk keeps the bars rich without drying them out
• Slightly underbaking ensures soft centers

Combined with festive M&M’s, the result is a cookie bar that feels indulgent yet familiar—exactly what a holiday dessert should be.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups Christmas M&M’s (red and green)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Each ingredient plays a role in flavor, structure, and texture. The combination of sugars enhances chewiness, while the candy-coated chocolates add festive crunch and color.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
4. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in Christmas M&M’s and chocolate chips, reserving a small handful for topping.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle remaining M&M’s on top.
8. Bake for 22–26 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden but the center is still soft.
9. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.

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Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars Every Time

• Don’t overbake: Slightly underbaked centers ensure chewiness
• Use parchment paper for clean removal and neat edges
• Press extra M&M’s on top for bakery-style presentation
• Cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling

These small details make a big difference in texture and appearance.

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Fun Variations to Try

One of the best things about M&M cookie bar recipes is how customizable they are:

• Swap Christmas M&M’s for Valentine’s, Easter, or Halloween colors
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Drizzle with white chocolate after baking
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt for sweet-salty contrast

This flexibility makes the recipe useful year-round while still feeling special during the holidays.

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Serving and Gifting Ideas

Serve these bars:

• With hot cocoa or spiced coffee
• As part of a holiday dessert platter
• Wrapped individually in parchment for gifts
• Packed into lunchboxes for festive treats

They’re sturdy enough for shipping and stay fresh for several days, making them excellent for holiday gifting.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days for extra firmness
• Freeze baked bars (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months

Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature before serving.

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A Holiday Baking Classic Worth Repeating

These chewy Christmas M&M cookie bars combine nostalgia, convenience, and irresistible flavor into one festive dessert. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for holiday entertaining. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just craving something sweet and seasonal, this recipe delivers every time.

Once you make them, they’ll earn a permanent place in your holiday baking rotation.