If you love chewy cookies but don't have time to scoop and bake tray after tray, these Christmas M&M Butter Cookie Bars are your new holiday shortcut. Everything comes together in one bowl with melted butter, brown sugar and a handful of pantry staples, then gets pressed into a single pan and topped with red and green M&Ms.
The result is a thick, buttery cookie bar with golden edges, a soft and chewy center and pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. They are perfect for cookie swaps, school parties, holiday trays or a cozy night in, and they stay soft for days, so you can bake them ahead without worrying.
Prep: 15 min | Bake: 25 to 30 min | Makes: 16 to 20 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups Christmas M&Ms (red and green), divided
- 1 cup chocolate chunks
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with foil or parchment and grease it lightly.
- Whisk the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda and salt just until no dry flour remains.
- Fold in 1 cup of the M&Ms and the chocolate chunks.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan and press the remaining M&Ms on top.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks just set.
- Cool completely in the pan, then lift out and cut into squares.
Tip
Take them out while the center still looks a little soft. They firm up as they cool and stay chewy for days.
Enjoy your Christmas M&M Butter Cookie Bars! Save this recipe and share it with someone who loves easy home cooking.
