Get ready to delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with festive cheer with this irresistible Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Oreo and M&M Topping Recipe. These bars marry the soft, buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies with the fun crunch of Oreo cookies and the colorful pop of Christmas M&Ms. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or a cozy family night, this recipe delivers a joyful and scrumptious treat that combines sweet, creamy frosting and vibrant toppings, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and festive color. From the smooth butter that creates a tender crumb to the bright red and green sprinkles that bring a cheerful touch, these simple pantry staples come together perfectly to make your Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars shine.
- All-purpose flour (4 1/4 cups): The foundation of these bars, providing structure and that soft chewiness we love.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup room temp + additional softened amounts): Adds richness and creates a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and adds subtle crispness on top.
- Light brown sugar (2/3 cups, packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
- Large eggs (3, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and provide a delicate texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses classic warmth throughout the batter (almond extract is a lovely option too!).
- Colored sprinkles, red and green (1/2 cup): Instantly transforms the bars into a festive holiday masterpiece.
- Cooking spray or parchment paper: Ensures perfect non-stick baking results.
- Icing or powdered sugar (3 1/2 cups total): For that dreamy creamy frosting, key to every bite feeling like holiday magic.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives the frosting a tangy smoothness that balances the sweetness superbly.
- Oreo cookies (1 dozen): Adds chocolaty crunch and a fun texture contrast.
- Christmas M&Ms (1 cup): Colorful, fun, and extra festive topping to finish off these bars perfectly.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 tablespoons): Lightens up the frosting for a just-right spreadable texture.
How to Make Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Oreo and M&M Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with foil and grease, or even better, use parchment paper for easy removal. Measure all your ingredients carefully to keep things running smoothly and ensure perfect bars.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. This combination ensures your bars have the perfect rise and a balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about two minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that tender crumb and sweet bite everyone loves.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extract
Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, making sure each is well blended before adding the next. Then, stir in your choice of vanilla or almond extract for that warm festive aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients in two batches, mixing gently until just combined. Over-mixing at this stage can make the bars tough, so be gentle.
Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
Carefully fold in the red and green sprinkles to evenly distribute those joyful flecks of color throughout the batter, ensuring every square is festive.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a soft golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cooling on a wire rack after baking is key to setting the bars just right.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bars cool, mix together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar in small batches, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and a pinch of sea salt, then stir in whole milk to get that perfect spreadable frosting consistency.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the luscious frosting over the top with an offset spatula. Finish by pressing halved Oreo cookies and Christmas M&Ms over the frosting, pressing slightly so they stick but still retain their crunch.
Step 10: Enjoy and Share
Slice into 18 generous pieces and dive in! These bars are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for several days with no problem, making them a holiday crowd-pleaser that keeps on giving.
How to Serve Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Oreo and M&M Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra sparkly finish, dust the bars with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar or add a few extra colorful Christmas sprinkles on top. A few fresh holly leaves nearby on the serving platter can create an eye-catching holiday presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bars with a warm mug of spiced cinnamon hot chocolate or peppermint-infused coffee to complement the sweet, buttery flavors beautifully and add to that cozy holiday feeling.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and place them in mini cupcake liners for easy serving at holiday parties. For a festive gift idea, stack a few bars in a clear cellophane bag tied with a red and green ribbon—instant holiday joy delivered to family or friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Oreo and M&M Topping Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps the bars soft and the frosting fresh without losing its charm.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead on holiday baking, you can freeze the unfrosted bars after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw completely before frosting and decorating for best results.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, avoid microwaving the frosted bars to preserve frosting texture. If frozen, just let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or so to soften beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cookie topping instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! While Oreos add a nice chocolate crunch, you can swap them out for other cookies like chocolate chip cookies or even peppermint bark pieces for a different twist that still keeps the festive spirit.
Is it okay to use regular sprinkles instead of red and green ones?
Yes, any sprinkles will work, but red and green sprinkles really add that classic Christmas vibe. You could also use gold or silver edible glitter for a glamorous touch.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives to make these bars dairy-free. Just be aware textural differences may occur, but the festive fun and flavor will remain delightful.
How thick should I cut the bars?
Cut into about 18 bars for a good balance of size and portion. Thicker bars are super rich and filling, so adjust based on your crowd and desired serving size.
What’s the best way to keep the frosting smooth and creamy?
Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened completely before mixing, and beat the frosting well to incorporate air, which keeps it fluffy and smooth. Adding whole milk slowly helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Oreo and M&M Topping Recipe is an absolute winner for bringing the joy and flavors of the holiday season straight to your table. It’s easy to make, full of color, and every bite bursts with festive fun. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, these bars will quickly become a treasured favorite that’s guaranteed to spread smiles and holiday cheer.
Print
Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars with Oreo and M&M Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
Description
Delight in the festive flavors of these Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars, featuring a tender, buttery cookie base studded with red and green sprinkles, topped with creamy, smooth frosting and garnished with Oreo cookies and Christmas M&Ms. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars blend classic sugar cookie taste with a fun, colorful twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (almond extract optional)
- 1/2 cup colored sprinkles, red and green
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered or icing sugar
- Pinch sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
Toppings
- 1 dozen Oreo cookies
- 1 cup Christmas M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, then grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Measure out all your ingredients to have them ready.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly blended.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs: Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them.
- Mix in Extract: Add the vanilla extract (or almond extract if using) and blend until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two additions, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender bars.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the red and green sprinkles, incorporating them evenly without breaking them down.
- Spread Batter: Spread the cookie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface as much as possible.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the top is starting to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bars: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: While the bars cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl or stand mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar in half-cup increments, mixing well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Bars: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
- Add Toppings: Decorate the frosted bars with Oreo cookies and Christmas M&Ms to add flavor and festive flair.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store in a covered container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Alternate Frosting Method: As the bars cool, whip softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Stir in sea salt, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Spread this frosting over the cooled bars for a slightly different taste and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a nuttier flavor.
- Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal of bars from the pan.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- Gently fold sprinkles to prevent color bleeding in the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
