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At Christmastime, I whip up these addictive cookie bars that fill my home with happiness. They're packed with colorful holiday M&Ms, gooey caramel and broken pretzels - my failproof treat when I need something impressive yet easy. That wonderful mix of soft, sweet and salty makes everyone smile when they find these gems on my Christmas dessert tray.
Why These Bars Stand Out
What I really adore about these treats is how they deliver all the goodness of cookies without dealing with spoonfuls of dough. The consistency is just right - soft and chewy with surprising bits of crunch from candies and pretzels. And that caramel swirl really makes them exceptional. They're my go-to when holiday baking gets crazy.
Must-Have Components
- Caramel: I prefer using chopped Werther's or Kraft bits that create delicious pockets of sweetness throughout.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They provide that traditional cookie flavor and sometimes I'll throw in a mix of dark and milk varieties.
- M&M's: The green and red holiday ones transform these bars into Christmas treats.
- Pretzels: Just snap them into chunks for that wonderful salty bite.
- Butter: Go for unsalted and melted - it creates such softness in these bars.
- Sprinkles: Red and green jimmies add that festive touch when I want extra Christmas flair.
Making Your Bars
- Get Everything Ready
- I start by cutting those caramels and snapping pretzels into smaller chunks.
- Create Your Base
- Combine your melted butter with sugars, then drop in eggs and vanilla. Gently mix in dry stuff until barely combined and fold in all your tasty additions.
- Set Up The Pan
- Push everything into your paper-lined baking dish - I use a measuring cup bottom to flatten it nicely. Add a few extra toppings to make it look amazing.
- Into The Oven
- Bake at 350°F for around 16 minutes until you see golden edges. Cool them completely in the pan.
- Cool And Cut
- For clean edges, I always stick them in the refrigerator before slicing. It works wonders.
Storage Secrets
These treats stay wonderfully chewy for 3 days in a sealed box at room temperature or nearly a week when refrigerated. If you're planning ahead, they freeze really well for up to two months. Just know that those pretzel bits might soften over time, so I typically add those for bars we'll eat within days.
Clever Baking Tricks
Want super neat slices? Chill the pan briefly in the freezer first. I always warm my knife under hot water, wipe it dry, then cut - they look so professional this way. Don't be afraid to switch up the mix-ins either. Sometimes I toss in some butterscotch or white chocolate bits. A little sprinkle of sea salt on top really brings out all the flavors.
Switching Things Up
These bars work all year long - just change the M&M colors for different celebrations. During the holidays I sometimes mix in smashed candy canes or add a white chocolate drizzle on top. You can try so many things - just use whatever festive treats you love most.
Great for Giving
These treats always win fans at holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Their bright colors catch attention right away and the flavor keeps people reaching for more. Put them in cute boxes with some tissue paper and you've got heartwarming handmade presents everyone will love.
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Common Questions
- → Can I swap out the mix-ins?
- Absolutely! Any combo of toppings works as long as you stick to 2 cups total. Try different chocolates, sweets, crunchy nuts, or salty pretzels.
- → My dough seems too wet?
- Wait about 5 minutes for it to firm up as the melted butter cools down. If it's still too loose, gradually mix in up to 1/4 cup more flour.
- → What's the best way to keep these fresh?
- Store them in a sealed container up to 3 days at room temp, or pop them in a freezer bag for 1-2 months.
- → Will margarine work instead of butter?
- Stick with real unsalted butter for the best outcome. Margarine changes both how they feel and taste.
- → Why hand-mix instead of using a mixer?
- Stirring by hand with a spatula stops you from overworking the dough, which makes bars tough. Just mix until everything comes together.