Addictive Holiday Cookie Bars

Featured in: Desserts

These adaptable cookie squares turn a trending social media dessert into a merry holiday treat with customizable additions. Great for party trays and easy to freeze for later.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Sat, 26 Apr 2025 17:15:36 GMT
A close-up image of festive cookie bars topped with red and green candies, chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, and white sprinkles, arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up image of festive cookie bars topped with red and green candies, chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, and white sprinkles, arranged on parchment paper. | twistytaste.com

Around Christmas time, I whip up these mouthwatering treat bars that fill my home with happiness. Packed with colorful holiday M&Ms, gooey caramel and broken pretzels, they're my trusty pick when I need something fancy yet easy. The mix of soft, sugary and salty flavors makes everyone smile when they notice these gems on my festive dessert tray.

Why These Bars Stand Out

The thing I adore about these treats is how they pack all the goodness of cookies without dealing with spoonfuls of dough. They've got just the right feel - soft and gooey on the inside with surprising bits of crunch from candies and pretzels. And that hint of caramel really makes them special. They're my go-to when holiday baking gets crazy busy.

Must-Have Components

  • Pretzels: Just snap them into chunks for that perfect salty bite.
  • Butter: Always grab unsalted and melt it down for extra softness in your bars.
  • M&M's: The holiday red and green ones truly turn these into Christmas treats.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They create that traditional cookie flavor, and sometimes I throw in a mix of dark and milk varieties.
  • Sprinkles: Red and green jimmies add that extra Christmas sparkle I want.
  • Caramel: I usually grab Kraft or Werther's and chop them tiny so they create pockets of sweetness.

Easy Preparation Guide

Chill and Slice
For clean edges, I always stick them in the refrigerator before cutting. It really helps.
Bake
Stick it in a 350°F oven for around 16 minutes until you see golden edges. Cool them completely in the pan.
Prepare the Pan
Push everything into your parchment-lined pan and I use a measuring cup bottom to smooth it out. Add extra toppings on top for looks.
Mix the Dough
Blend your melted butter with sugars, then put in eggs and vanilla. Add dry stuff just until mixed, then stir in all those tasty additions.
Prep the Ingredients
The first thing on my list is cutting those caramels and breaking pretzels into smaller bits.

Storage Solutions

These treats stay nice and soft for 3 days in a box on your counter or up to 5 days if kept in the fridge. If you want to plan ahead, they freeze well for a couple months. Just keep in mind those pretzels might get less crunchy over time, so I usually plan to eat those batches sooner.

Smart Baking Tricks

Want super clean slices? Stick the pan in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting. I always get my knife hot under water, wipe it dry and then cut. They look amazing this way. Try switching up what you mix in too. Sometimes I toss in white chocolate or butterscotch bits. A tiny bit of sea salt on top really brings out all the flavors.

Twist It Around

These bars work for any season. I just change the candy colors for different holidays. At Christmas, I love throwing in smashed candy canes or adding white chocolate drizzles. You can try so many things with your favorite seasonal treats.

Great for Giving

These treats always get compliments at holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Their bright colors catch attention and their taste keeps people grabbing more. Wrap them in cute boxes with tissue and you've got wonderful handmade presents.

A close-up of a festive dessert bar topped with colorful M&M's and chocolate chips on a piece of parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of a festive dessert bar topped with colorful M&M's and chocolate chips on a piece of parchment paper. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I adjust the mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can swap in any mix-ins as long as they total 2 cups. Feel free to combine different chocolates, candies, crunchy bits, or nuts however you want.
→ Why is my dough runny?
Let your dough sit for about 5 minutes while the butter cools down. If it's still too wet, try adding a bit more flour, up to 1/4 cup.
→ How do I store these bars?
They'll stay fresh in a sealed container for about 3 days. Want them to last longer? Pop them in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.
→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Stick with real unsalted butter for the best outcome. Margarine won't give you the right texture or taste in these bars.
→ Why shouldn't I use a mixer?
Stirring by hand with a spatula stops you from overworking the dough, which would make your bars tough. Just mix until everything comes together.

Festive Holiday Cookie Bars

Gooey and tender cookie squares bursting with fun additions like seasonal M&Ms, rich caramel, crunchy pretzels, and melty chocolate chips. A social media sensation!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 bars)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks).
02 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar.
03 1/2 cup white sugar.
04 1 whole large egg and 1 yolk.
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
06 1 teaspoon baking soda.
07 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.
08 1/2 teaspoon salt.
09 2 cups regular flour.
10 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
11 1/2 cup Christmas colored M&Ms.
12 1/2 cup crushed pretzels.
13 1/2 cup diced soft caramels.
14 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 350°F. Cut caramels into tiny chunks.

Step 02

Melt the butter, then mix in sugars with a spoon. Drop in eggs and vanilla.

Step 03

Toss in baking soda, powder, salt. Add flour and stir until barely mixed.

Step 04

Gently mix chocolate chips, M&Ms, pretzels, caramels, and sprinkles.

Step 05

Flatten mixture in 9x13 pan. Bake for 16-18 minutes till edges turn golden.

Step 06

Wait until totally cooled down before slicing into squares.

Notes

  1. Feel free to swap out mix-ins.
  2. Skip the electric mixer and use a spoon instead.
  3. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  4. Stays good for 3 days if left out.

Tools You'll Need

  • Metal baking pan, 9x13 size.
  • Baking parchment.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy from the butter.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat in flour and pretzels.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 414
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 4 g