GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that brings the joy of the holiday season right to your kitchen. This GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe features soft, buttery blondies adorned with festive M&Ms and sprinkles. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with family, these bars are not only easy to make but also freezer-friendly. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookie bars are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level.
• Festive Appearance: The colorful M&Ms and sprinkles give these bars a cheerful look that’s ideal for holiday celebrations.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can easily store them in the freezer, allowing you to prepare treats in advance.
• Versatile Flavor: You can customize the mix-ins based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These cookie bars are perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• 9×13” metal pan
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort when blending butter and sugar to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• 9×13” metal pan: A metal pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that golden color without overbaking.
• Rubber spatula: This tool is great for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Ingredients

For this GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms (or your favorite color)
• ½ cup Christmas sprinkles (use jimmies for best results)

How to Make GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13” metal pan with aluminum foil and spray it generously with cooking spray. Avoid using a glass pan for this recipe.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat until crumbly. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the salt, baking powder, then gradually add in the all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined, ensuring no dry flour remains.

Step 4: Add Festive Mix-ins

Gently fold in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles. The mixture will be wet; it’s best to spray your hands with cooking spray before smoothing it into an even layer in the prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake the Cookie Bars

Bake in your preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they should turn golden but remain slightly underbaked for that gooey texture. Once baked, allow them to cool before slicing into bars.

Step 6: Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Alternatively, freeze them for up to one month for a delicious treat later on!

Enjoy making these GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe as part of your holiday traditions!

How to Serve GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

These GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars are perfect for sharing and enjoying during the holiday season. They’re sweet, festive, and sure to delight everyone at your gathering.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookie bars on a colorful platter, adding some seasonal decorations like holly or small ornaments for a festive touch.

Hot Chocolate Pairing

• Serve these bars alongside warm hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

Gift Wrapping

• Package the bars in decorative boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbons. This makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Ice Cream Sundae

• Top a warm cookie bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.

Coffee Break Treat

• Offer these cookie bars as a sweet treat during coffee breaks. Their gooey texture pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

How to Perfect GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

To achieve the best results with your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars, consider the following tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.

• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.

• Check for doneness early: Since these bars are meant to be gooey, start checking them around 20 minutes. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out.

• Cool completely before cutting: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps them set up better and makes cutting easier.

• Store properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness, or freeze them if you want to enjoy them later.

Best Side Dishes for GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

These GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the sweetness of the cookie bars.

2. Cheese Platter: Serve assorted cheeses alongside crackers for a savory touch that balances the sweetness.

3. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced nuts provides a crunchy texture that complements the gooeyness of the bars.

4. Caramel Sauce: Offer homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for drizzling over the cookie bars or dipping.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthier option that pairs well with dessert.

6. Christmas Punch: A fruity punch enhances the festive spirit and refreshes your palate between bites of cookie bars.

7. Mini Cupcakes: Serve mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate for added variety.

8. Ice Cream Floats: Create fun ice cream floats by combining soda with ice cream for a bubbly treat alongside your cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Pan Preparation: Not lining or greasing the pan properly can lead to stuck bars. Always line your pan with foil and spray it well with cooking spray for easy release.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can make your bars tough. Mix until just combined; a few lumps are okay as they will bake out.

• Baking Too Long: Overbaking leads to dry cookie bars. Check them a couple of minutes before the timer goes off; they should be golden but still soft in the center.

• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can affect how well your bars rise. Ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.

• Not Adding Enough Mix-ins: A lack of M&Ms or sprinkles can make your bars less festive and flavorful. Don’t be shy; load them up for extra fun!

• Cutting Too Soon: Slicing the bars while they’re still hot can cause them to crumble. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month.

Reheating GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each bar for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe.

How do I make GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it’s suitable for baking.

Can I add different mix-ins to my GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits as alternative mix-ins.

How do I ensure my GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe turns out chewy?

Avoid overbaking and use brown sugar, as it helps create that chewy texture you’re looking for.

What if I don’t have M&Ms?

You can replace M&Ms with any favorite candy, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for a unique twist!

Final Thoughts

These GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins and colors, making them perfect for festive gatherings or as gifts. Try out this easy recipe and enjoy the delightful flavors of the holiday season!