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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.
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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.