Name: Santa Cookie Bars: Incredible 25-Minute Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¼ tsp salt; ¾ cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup crushed Christmas Oreos, plus 9 whole Oreos for layering; ¼ cup Christmas M&M’s

Santa Cookie Bars have officially become my go-to holiday treat, and I’m so excited to share them with you! Every year, my kitchen fills with the warm, sweet scent of baking, and these bars are always the star. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. What I love most is the surprise chewy layer of Oreos nestled inside, adding an extra burst of chocolatey goodness. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Santa cookie bars that impress everyone without stressing you out, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Santa Cookie Bar Recipe

These aren’t just any cookie bars; they’re a little slice of Christmas magic! You’ll adore them because:

The taste is pure holiday bliss – buttery, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet.
They are incredibly easy Santa cookie bars to make, with a simple one-bowl method that saves you time.
While a treat, they’re made with wholesome ingredients like real butter and flour, making them a delightful option.
They are wonderfully budget-friendly, using common pantry staples for a festive dessert that won’t break the bank.
Kids absolutely love them, making them perfect for family baking sessions and holiday parties.
They are truly festive Santa cookie bars, with colorful M&M’s and Oreos that scream Christmas.
The soft, chewy texture is utterly irresistible.
They’re a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Ingredients for Santa Cookie Bars

Gathering your Santa cookie bar ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful holiday treats. This recipe focuses on simple, accessible items that come together quickly:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Using softened butter is key for creaming properly and achieving a tender cookie texture.
½ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note.
½ cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
2 large eggs – Bind everything together.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors.
2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookie bars.
¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
¾ cup mini chocolate chips – For those classic pockets of chocolate goodness.
1 cup crushed Christmas Oreos, plus 9 whole Oreos for layering – This is the secret weapon for a surprise chewy center!
¼ cup Christmas M&M’s – Adds festive color and a candy crunch.

How to Make Santa Cookie Bars

Let’s dive into the fun part of Santa cookie bar baking! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious, festive bars in no time.

Santa Cookie Bars: Incredible 25-Minute Recipe - Santa Cookie Bars - additional detail

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out so much easier later!
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is noticeably light and fluffy; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by the 1 tsp vanilla extract and ¼ tsp salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Gradually add the 2 cups all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookie bars.
Step 5: Gently fold in the ¾ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup Christmas M&M’s, and 1 cup crushed Christmas Oreos. Make sure these additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Take about ⅓ of the cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This forms the base layer of your Santa cookie bars.
Step 7: Carefully arrange the 9 whole Oreos over the bottom layer of dough. Gently press them down so they nestle into the dough slightly.
Step 8: Spread the remaining cookie dough evenly over the top of the whole Oreos, covering them completely.
Step 9: Sprinkle the reserved crushed Oreos and M&M’s evenly over the top of the dough for that signature festive look.
Step 10: Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, perhaps with a few moist crumbs.
Step 11: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Allow them to cool completely before slicing into squares for the perfect finish to your how to make Santa cookie bars tutorial.

Pro Tips for the Best Santa Cookie Bars

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for these festive bars is simple with a few insider tricks. These tips will elevate your best Santa cookie bar recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Always use softened, not melted, butter. This is crucial for creaming the sugars properly, which creates that wonderful light and chewy texture.
Don’t overmix the flour! Once the flour is added, mix only until it’s just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to tough bars.
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan if you find it too sticky. This makes it much easier to handle.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is key for clean cuts and preventing them from falling apart.

What’s the secret to perfect Santa cookie bars?

The real secret to this Santa cookie bar recipe lies in the combination of softened butter and the crushed Oreos. Softened butter ensures a tender crumb, while the Oreos add a surprise chewy, chocolatey layer that makes them extra special.

Can I make Santa cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holiday Santa cookie bars planning.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Santa cookie bars?

The most common pitfalls are overmixing the flour, which makes the bars tough, and slicing them while still warm, leading to a messy crumble. Always mix the flour gently until just combined, and let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Best Ways to Serve Santa Cookie Bars

Once your delicious Santa cookie bar dessert is cooled and sliced, the real fun begins: enjoying them! These bars are fantastic on their own, but I love pairing them with a tall glass of cold milk. The creamy milk perfectly complements the buttery cookie and sweet chocolate chips. Another wonderful option, especially on a chilly evening, is a warm mug of hot chocolate. The rich chocolate flavors meld beautifully with the festive M&M’s and Oreos.

For an extra special treat, consider serving them as part of a holiday dessert platter. They sit beautifully alongside gingerbread cookies or frosted sugar cookies, adding a delightful chewy texture and pop of color to any spread.

Nutrition Facts for Santa Cookie Bars

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful Santa cookie bars. Keep in mind these are approximations, as ingredient variations can slightly alter the final numbers.

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Santa Cookie Bars

Proper Santa cookie bar storage ensures these festive treats stay delicious for days. First, make sure the bars are completely cooled before storing them. This is crucial to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. For Santa cookie bar leftovers, they’ll keep well at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you need to store them for longer, the freezer is your best friend!

To freeze, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. For a quick reheat, you can warm individual bars in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until slightly warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Cookie Bars

What are Santa cookie bars?

Santa cookie bars are a delightful holiday-themed dessert that combines the chewy, buttery goodness of a cookie with the ease of a bar. They typically feature a base cookie dough, often with additions like chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sometimes a surprise middle layer like crushed cookies. They’re designed to be festive and fun, perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Can I use different candies or add-ins?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, and M&M’s, feel free to get creative with your Santa cookie bar ideas. Peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even chopped nuts can be wonderful additions. Just be sure to maintain a similar total amount of add-ins to keep the dough consistency right.

How do I get clean cuts for my Santa cookie bars?

The key to clean cuts for any bar cookie, including these festive Santa cookie bars, is patience and a sharp knife. Make sure the bars have cooled completely in the pan. For extra sharp edges, you can chill the entire pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before slicing. Wipe your knife clean between cuts if needed.

Are these Santa cookie bars good for cookie exchanges?

Yes, these are an excellent choice for cookie exchanges! They travel well, are universally loved for their sweet and chewy texture, and their festive appearance is always a hit. They offer a fun twist compared to traditional cookies, making your contribution memorable. This Santa bar recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Variations of Santa Cookie Bars You Can Try

While this Santa cookie bar recipe is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily customize these bars to suit different tastes and occasions. For example, if you’re looking for decorated Santa cookie bars, consider adding a simple glaze or frosting after they’ve cooled. A basic vanilla buttercream or even a cream cheese frosting works wonderfully. You could also pipe on little Santa hats or snowflakes for an extra festive touch.

If you want to explore different flavor profiles, try swapping out the mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or butterscotch. You could also add a hint of peppermint extract to the dough for a classic Christmas flavor. For a healthier twist, you might experiment with gluten-free flour blends and sugar substitutes, though baking times might vary. These bars are also a great base for experimenting with different candy combinations beyond M&M’s, making them endlessly adaptable for any holiday gathering.