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During the holidays, I whip up these addictive cookie bars that fill my home with Christmas cheer. Packed with colorful holiday M&Ms, gooey caramel and broken pretzels, they're my favorite treat when I need something impressive yet straightforward. The mix of soft, sweet and crunchy makes everyone grab for seconds when they notice these beauties on my Christmas dessert table.
Why These Bars Stand Out
The best thing about these treats is how they deliver all the goodness of cookies without bothering with individual scooping. They've got just the right bite - soft and chewy with unexpected crunchiness from candy and pretzels. And that caramel? It takes everything up a notch. They're my go-to when holiday baking gets hectic.
Main Components
- Caramel: I grab Kraft or Werther's and chop them small so they create delicious sweet spots throughout.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They add that familiar cookie flavor and sometimes I throw in a mix of dark and milk varieties.
- M&M's: The red and green ones turn these into a true Christmas treat.
- Pretzels: Just snap them into chunks for that amazing salt factor.
- Butter: Stick with unsalted and melt it first for incredibly soft results.
- Sprinkles: Red and green jimmies make everything more festive when I want that extra holiday touch.
Making Your Bars
- Get Everything Ready
- I start by cutting those caramels and snapping pretzels into smaller bits.
- Create Your Base
- Blend your melted butter with sugars before adding eggs and vanilla. Gently mix in dry stuff until barely combined then fold in all your tasty additions.
- Set Up The Pan
- Spread everything into your paper-lined pan and I flatten it with a measuring cup bottom. Add extra goodies on top for visual appeal.
- Into The Oven
- Bake at 350°F for around 16 minutes until you see golden edges. Cool them completely in the pan.
- Cool Then Cut
- For clean edges, I always cool them in the refrigerator before slicing. It works wonders.
Storage Solutions
You can keep these babies soft for 3 days in a sealed box at room temp or almost a week if refrigerated. They'll freeze well for up to 2 months if needed. Just know that those pretzel pieces might soften over time so we usually eat those batches first.
Pro Baking Shortcuts
Want super clean slices? Stick the whole pan in the freezer shortly before cutting. I always warm my knife under hot water then dry it between cuts for neat squares. Don't be afraid to switch things up too. Sometimes I toss in white chips or butterscotch bits. A tiny bit of sea salt on top really brings out all the flavors.
Seasonal Variations
I love making these all year by just switching the M&M colors for different celebrations. At Christmas, I sometimes mix in smashed candy canes or add white chocolate drizzles across the top. You can really use whatever holiday sweets you like best.
Great for Giving
Everyone smiles when they spot these at holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Their bright colors catch your eye right away and their taste keeps folks coming back. I wrap them in cute boxes with colored paper for heartfelt handmade presents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can the mix-ins be swapped?
- Absolutely! Mix and match your choice of candies, pretzels, nuts, or chocolate chips—just stick to 2 cups total.
- → What if my dough is too soft?
- Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to firm up as the butter sets. If it’s still too soft, sprinkle in a little more flour, up to 1/4 cup.
- → How should I store them?
- Keep them fresh by storing in a sealed container for 3 days, or freeze for 1-2 months in airtight bags or containers.
- → Can I switch butter with margarine?
- Nope, stick with real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine doesn’t work well for this recipe.
- → Why avoid using a mixer?
- Mixing by hand keeps your bars tender. Overmixing with a mixer makes them tough, so just stir until everything’s barely combined.