Christmas Bars – A Festive, Sweet Treat for the Holiday Season

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are everything you love about holiday desserts — chewy, buttery, sweet, and festive. They’re incredibly easy to make (no rolling or shaping required), yet they look impressive enough for any holiday spread. The flavor is a mix of buttery cookie dough, creamy white chocolate, and toasted nuts, with just enough crunch from the candy pieces. Whether you’re baking with kids or prepping treats for a crowd, this recipe delivers that cozy, nostalgic Christmas feeling in every bite.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the bars, keeping them soft yet sturdy enough to hold the mix-ins.

Baking powder and baking soda help the bars rise slightly, giving them a light, chewy texture.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.

Unsalted butter gives richness and that classic homemade cookie flavor.

Brown sugar adds depth, moisture, and a hint of caramel undertone that makes the bars chewy.

Granulated sugar contributes sweetness and helps create a golden crust.

Eggs bind everything together and keep the bars moist.

Vanilla extract brings warmth and enhances all the holiday flavors.

White chocolate chips add creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cookie base.

Red and green M&M’s (or candy-coated chocolates) provide that festive pop of color and a fun crunch.

Chopped pecans (optional) lend a nutty texture that balances the sweetness.

Powdered sugar glaze (optional) gives the bars a lovely holiday finish when drizzled on top.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Fold in the white chocolate chips, M&M’s, and pecans (if using).

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Press a few extra M&M’s on top for a festive look.

Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars.

If desired, whisk together powdered sugar with a splash of milk or cream to create a glaze, and drizzle over the cooled bars. I love to sprinkle a touch of edible glitter or crushed peppermint for extra holiday sparkle.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 20–24 bars.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25–28 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled, unglazed bars for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Peppermint White Chocolate Bars
Add crushed candy canes for a minty holiday twist.

Gingerbread Spice Bars
Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for warm, spiced flavor.

Cranberry Bliss Version
Fold in dried cranberries and swap M&M’s for white chocolate chunks for a bakery-style treat.

Double Chocolate Christmas Bars
Replace half the flour with cocoa powder for a rich, brownie-like version.

Nut-Free Version
Skip the pecans and add extra candies or mini marshmallows for texture.

Salted Caramel Drizzle
Top the baked bars with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a decadent finish.

Red Velvet Style
Add a touch of red food coloring and white chocolate chips for a festive red-and-white look.

Oatmeal Cookie Twist
Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewy, hearty variation.

Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — they bake up beautifully without losing texture.

Vegan Version
Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly batch.

FAQs

1. Can I use different candies?

Yes, any candy-coated chocolates or holiday sprinkles will work perfectly.

2. Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely — they stay soft and chewy for days when stored properly.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a larger pan or two 9×13 pans if you’re feeding a crowd.

4. Can I use chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?

Definitely — milk or dark chocolate chips work just as well.

5. How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should be golden, and the center should look just set.

6. Can I add frosting instead of glaze?

Yes, cream cheese or buttercream frosting makes them extra indulgent.

7. Do they freeze well?

Yes — freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.

8. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce it by up to ¼ cup without affecting texture too much.

9. Can I make them nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds or extra candies.

10. Can I add coconut?

Absolutely — shredded coconut adds great texture and holiday flair.

Conclusion

These Christmas Bars are the ultimate festive treat — chewy, buttery, and brimming with holiday flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, wrapping them up as edible gifts, or simply enjoying them with a mug of cocoa, they’re sure to bring joy to every celebration. With their colorful candies, creamy chocolate, and perfect chewy texture, these bars are a delicious reminder of why holiday baking is so special. One bite, and you’ll be adding them to your must-make list every Christmas season

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