If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the festive season, you’ve come to the right place! These Holiday Cookie Bars Roundup combines four of my favorite recipes into one easy-baking session. They are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just a cozy day at home when you crave something sweet. Each bar offers a unique flavor and texture, ensuring there’s something for everyone to love.

These treats are not only delicious but also simple to make. You can whip them up in no time and share them with friends and family or enjoy them all yourself—no judgment here!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Four flavors in one bake: Enjoy chewy chocolate, creamy cheesecake, fun sprinkles, and rich caramel all in one go.
Family-friendly fun: Baking these cookie bars together is a wonderful way to create lasting memories with loved ones.
Make-ahead convenience: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored, making them perfect for parties or holiday gift giving.
Flexible and adaptable: Want to mix things up? Feel free to customize each bar with your favorite add-ins or toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need to create these delicious Holiday Cookie Bars!

For M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup M&M’s candies, divided

For Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk
1 ½ cups nonpareil sprinkles, plus extra for topping

For Cinnamon Crumble Cheesecake Bars

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup salted caramel sauce
Flaky sea salt

Variations

One of the best parts about baking is how flexible recipes can be! Feel free to get creative with these cookie bars and make them your own.

Swap the chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor twist.
Change the sprinkles: Try seasonal sprinkles like Halloween-themed or pastel colors for spring celebrations.
Mix in nuts: If you’re a fan of crunch, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to any of the bars.
Use flavored extracts: Swap vanilla for almond or peppermint extract for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Holiday Cookie Bars Roundup

Step 1: Prepare the M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil; this makes it super easy to lift out the bars later. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookie bars that perfect chewy texture. Then add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract—mixing well after each addition helps everything combine beautifully.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookie bars soft and chewy! Now fold in 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips and half a cup of M&M’s candies. Press this dough into your prepared pan evenly. Top with the remaining M&M’s for that gorgeous colorful finish before baking.

Step 3: Bake Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Bars

Next up are those delightful Pink Sprinkle Sugar Cookie Bars! Grease or line another 9×13-inch pan while your oven is still hot. Beat together more softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes should do it! Add in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract just like before. Alternate adding your dry ingredients with milk starting and ending with flour; this method keeps everything nice and tender.

Step 4: Bake Cinnamon Crumble Cheesecake Bars

Let’s move on to those creamy Cinnamon Crumble Cheesecake Bars! Preheat your oven again—this time you’ll need it at 350°F (175°C) for a smaller 9×9-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined; press this mixture into the bottom of your pan and bake it for eight minutes. While that’s cooling down, beat together softened cream cheese with more sugar until smooth; adding eggs slowly prevents lumps from forming.

Step 5: Finish with Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars

Lastly, we have our decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Bars! Preheat that oven once more to 350°F (175°C) but grab an 8×8-inch pan this time lined with parchment paper. Beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy then sift in cocoa powder along with some vanilla extract and salt. Stir in sweetened condensed milk which adds richness that pairs perfectly with caramel sauce layered throughout!

Baking all four treats is easier than you think! Grab some friends or family members to help out—it’s not only about enjoying these delicious Holiday Cookie Bars Roundup but also about creating sweet memories along the way!

Pro Tips for Making Holiday Cookie Bars Roundup

Creating delicious cookie bars can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure every batch is a hit!

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to avoid any imbalances in your dough. This helps achieve the perfect texture and flavor in each bar.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing ensures they blend more smoothly, resulting in a better overall consistency.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of light and chewy ones.
Experiment with Flavor Add-ins: Feel free to swap out chocolate chips or sprinkles for other add-ins like nuts or dried fruits. This allows you to customize flavors for every occasion!
Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow your cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up properly and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Holiday Cookie Bars Roundup

Presenting your cookie bars beautifully can make them even more inviting! Here are some creative ways to serve these festive treats.

Garnishes

Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a hint of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bars for an attractive finish that enhances the chocolate flavor.
Fresh Fruit Garnish: Serve with slices of fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side for a pop of color and refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm cookie bars, adding creaminess and balancing the sweetness.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing side that complements the richness of the cookie bars.
Hot Cocoa: Warm up with a cup of rich hot cocoa topped with dairy-free whipped cream for a cozy treat alongside your dessert.
Coffee or Tea: Serving these cookie bars with a nice cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a delightful pairing that enhances the flavors of both!

Enjoy your holiday baking, and may these cookie bars bring joy to your festivities!

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful cookie bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats throughout the holiday season. You can easily make them ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, making your holiday baking stress-free!

Storing Leftovers

Keep the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate them where they can last up to a week.
If you prefer, you can also cover them with plastic wrap instead of using a container.

Freezing

Slice the cookie bars before freezing for easy portion control.
Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bags with the date!

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookie bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet.
Heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

If you’re curious about these delightful treats, here are some frequently asked questions!

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in the Holiday Cookie Bars Roundup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various chocolate chips like white chocolate or dark chocolate, or even mix in butterscotch chips for a unique twist.

How do I ensure my Holiday Cookie Bars Roundup turns out perfectly?

For best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve that perfect texture and avoids any lumps.

Can I substitute any ingredients in these recipes?

Yes! You can swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour blends. Additionally, if you’re looking for dairy alternatives, try using coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk in your recipes.

How long do the cookie bars last after baking?

When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookie bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Refrigerating them extends their shelf life to about a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake these holiday cookie bars! Each bar is not just a treat; it’s a little piece of joy that brings people together during this festive season. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them all by yourself (no judgment here!), I know you’ll love making these easy-to-bake delights. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and sweetness!

Festive Holiday Cookie Bars

Author: Sofia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 48 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Make four festive holiday treats in one session with these easy-to-bake cookie bars, ranging from chewy chocolate to creamy cheesecake.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup M&M's candies (divided)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk
1 ½ cups nonpareil sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (2 packages)
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs (room temperature)
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
1 cup salted caramel sauce
Flaky sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with foil; cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2 minutes; add eggs one at a time and vanilla; whisk flour, baking soda, and salt separately then mix into wet ingredients until just combined; fold in 1 ½ cups chocolate chips and ½ cup M&M's, press dough into pan, top with remaining M&M's, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and center is set but soft; cool completely before slicing.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch pan; beat butter and granulated sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy; add eggs one at a time and vanilla; alternate adding dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and milk starting and ending with flour; fold in 1 ½ cups sprinkles, spread batter in pan, top with extra sprinkles, and bake for 22 to 26 minutes until top is lightly golden and toothpick comes out clean; cool in pan for 15 minutes then transfer to rack.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan; mix graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and melted butter, press into pan, and bake for 8 minutes; beat cream cheese and ¾ cup sugar until smooth, add vanilla and eggs on low speed, stir in ¼ cup flour, pour over crust; combine cold butter, brown sugar, ½ cup flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for crumble, sprinkle loosely over filling, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until edges are set and center wobbles slightly; turn off oven, crack door, and let cool inside for 1 hour, then chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours before slicing.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment; beat butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, sift in cocoa powder, vanilla, and pinch of salt, mix in sweetened condensed milk; layer half the batter and half the caramel in pan, repeat with remaining ingredients, swirl gently with a knife; bake for 20 to 25 minutes until edges are set.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 250
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg