Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that’s uber-easy but ridiculously addictive, this Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe is where your search ends. I absolutely love how these bars come together: buttery, gooey, with that magical combo of coconut, chocolate, and those colorful holiday M&M’s that instantly spark joy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just treating yourself after a long day of decorating.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a texture that’s crispy, chewy, and downright irresistible. Grab quality graham crackers — fresh crumbs make a difference! Also, be sure to pick festive holiday M&M’s for that extra burst of color and crunch.

• Butter: Melted for easy mixing and to create that golden crust.
• Graham cracker crumbs: The base provides structure and a subtle honeyed flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Coconut flakes: Adds chewy texture and a lovely tropical twist.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The magic binder that keeps everything together with creamy sweetness.
• Chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.
• Holiday M&M’s: The final colorful pop that makes these bars festive and fun.

Variations

One of the best things about this Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love switching up the toppings depending on the occasion or what my pantry has on hand.

• Nutty Delight: I once swapped in chopped pecans or walnuts instead of M&M’s — my family goes crazy for the added crunch and warmth.
• White Chocolate Swap: For a sweeter touch, replace the regular chocolate chips with white chocolate chips; it adds a lovely contrast against the coconut.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to keep everyone happy without losing that buttery crust texture.
• Seasonal Spices: I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker mix for extra holiday cheer.

How to Make Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which helps everything cook evenly. Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil—this makes lifting the bars out a breeze once they’ve cooled. Then, mix the graham cracker crumbs, salt, and melted butter until it’s evenly combined. Press this buttery mixture into the bottom of your pan firmly to form the crust layer. I usually use a glass measuring cup to press it down tightly, which gives a nice even base.

Step 2: Layer on the Goodies

Sprinkle the coconut flakes evenly over the crust—this adds texture and a little holiday tropical vibe. Then scatter half of the chocolate chips on top, followed by drizzling the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly. This step might get a bit sticky, but believe me, it’s what makes these bars so luscious. Finally, scatter the holiday M&M’s and the remaining chocolate chips on top for that gorgeous festive finish.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the edges turn golden and bubbling. It smells incredible at this point—I always have to stop myself from sneaking a warm piece! After baking, let the bars cool completely before slicing. Patience here really pays off because warm bars tend to be too soft and can fall apart. I like cooling them in the fridge for an extra 30 minutes if I’m in a rush.

How to Serve Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra mini M&M’s or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top just before serving for that extra festive sparkle. Sometimes, a light drizzle of white chocolate over the cooled bars adds a pretty finishing touch and an extra slice of sweetness.

Side Dishes

These bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or classic holiday eggnog. For a party, I like to set up a little dessert table with these bars alongside peppermint bark and spiced nuts to create a festive tasting experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love stacking the bars on a pretty tiered dessert stand lined with evergreen sprigs and ornaments around the base – it’s simple but so charming. Wrapped individually in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons, they make delightful gifts for teachers, friends, and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. I usually keep mine layered between parchment paper to avoid sticking and maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture as much as possible.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! I cut them into squares before freezing so I can grab one or two at a time. Just wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months without losing their charm.

Reheating

To revive the freshness, I like to warm frozen bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that melty chocolate goodness without drying out the bars.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe has become a personal favorite for good reason—it’s so simple yet endlessly satisfying. I discovered this gem when I needed a quick holiday bake that would impress without stress, and it’s been a hit ever since. Whether you’re making these bars for your own holiday indulgence, wrapping them up as sweet gifts, or sharing with a crowd, I’m sure you’ll enjoy how festive and delicious they are. Give it a try this season—I feel like it might just become your holiday baking MVP too.

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