GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Name: GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 cups packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup Christmas M&Ms; ½ cup Christmas sprinkles

Published: December 5, 2025

by kaeli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later enjoyment or unexpected guests!
Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors of M&Ms and sprinkles instantly bring holiday cheer to any gathering.
Perfect for Gifting: Package these cookie bars in a festive box to share with friends and family.
Adaptable Ingredients: Substitute M&Ms or sprinkles based on your favorite flavors or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars, gather your tools for a seamless baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
9×13” metal baking pan
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Cooking spray
Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes mixing the butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in the cookie bars.
9×13” metal baking pan: Metal pans provide even heat distribution, helping your cookie bars bake perfectly without burning.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring that your delicious cookie bars come out easily from the pan.

Ingredients

To make the GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars, here’s what you will need:

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)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Mix the unsalted butter and brown sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until crumbly.
2. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Incorporate the salt, baking powder, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour.
4. Stir in the Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Spread into Pan

Spread the mixture into your prepared pan. Since it’s wet, it’s best to spray your hands with cooking spray to smooth out the dough evenly across the base of the pan. Sprinkle any remaining mix-ins on top.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for approximately 22-25 minutes until they begin turning golden around the edges. Remember that under-baking slightly is preferable; these bars will continue cooking as they cool down.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Allow them to cool before slicing into bars. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze them for up to one month.

Enjoy creating this delightful GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe that’s sure to bring joy during your holiday celebrations!

Serving GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars is a delight, especially during the holiday season. These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, making them perfect for any festive gathering.

As a Dessert Platter

Arrange slices on a large platter with other holiday treats like brownies and cookies for a sweet spread.
Add fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and freshness.

With Hot Beverages

Pair with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat.
Serve alongside coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

Package individual bars in festive bags tied with ribbons as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Include a handwritten recipe card to share the joy of baking.

Ice Cream Topping

Crumble bars over vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae topping.
Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top for extra indulgence.

Holiday Parties

Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy serving at holiday parties.
Offer alongside eggnog or spiced cider to enhance the festive atmosphere.

To get the best results from your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are fresh, as this affects the texture and flavor of the bars.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the bars soft and chewy. Over mixing can lead to dense bars.
Check Doneness: Look for a golden edge but soft center; they will continue to bake as they cool down.
Cool Completely: Allow them to cool in the pan before slicing. This helps set their shape and makes cutting easier.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try different holiday-themed candies or nuts to customize your bars each year.
Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness, or freeze them for longer storage.

Pairing side dishes with your GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:

Festive Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and apples adds brightness and balance.
Cheese Platter: Offer creamy cheeses alongside crackers to contrast the sweetness of the cookie bars.
Chocolate Fondue: Provide fruits and marshmallows for dipping into melted chocolate, complementing the cookie flavors.
Nut Brittle: A crunchy, sweet addition that pairs well with the gooey texture of the bars.
Mini Cupcakes: Decorate with holiday themes; these can add variety while still being sweet treats.
Gingerbread Cookies: Classic holiday cookies that harmonize with the flavors of Christmas cookie bars.
Spiced Nuts: Offer a savory crunch that balances out the sweetness of your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with a festive recipe like GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Using the wrong pan: Always use a metal pan for this recipe. Glass pans can change the baking time and texture.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of the desired gooey texture.
Not checking for doneness: Err on the side of underbaking. These bars continue to cook after being taken out of the oven.
Skipping the cooling time: Allow these bars to cool before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
Storing improperly: Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Avoid letting air in, as it can dry them out.

Refrigerator Storage

item Store GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
item They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
item Keep them at room temperature if you plan on eating them within two days.

item Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
item Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
item They can be frozen for up to one month.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars have a soft, chewy texture and are packed with holiday flavors. They are also easier to make since they are baked in one pan.

Absolutely! You can substitute different M&Ms, chocolate chips, or nuts based on your preference.

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Yes! These cookie bars make fantastic gifts during the holiday season. Just package them nicely!

Final Thoughts

The GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and festive. Their gooey center combined with crunchy M&Ms makes them a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the sprinkles. Make a batch today and share them with friends and family!

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GOOEY Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe