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Around Christmas time I whip up these super addictive bar cookies that fill my home with holiday happiness. They're packed with colorful holiday M&Ms, gooey caramel bits and broken pretzels - my trusty option when I need something impressive yet straightforward. That perfect mix of chewy, sweet and salty has everyone grabbing seconds whenever these appear on my Christmas treat tray.
The Magic Behind These Wonderful Bars
What really gets me about these bars is how they deliver everything good about cookies without dealing with annoying cookie scoops. They've got that dream consistency - soft and chewy centers with surprise crunchy bits from candies and pretzels. And that caramel swirl really makes them stand out. They're my backup plan when holiday schedules get crazy.
Must-Have Components
- Caramel: I grab Kraft or Werther's and snip them into small chunks so they create little sweet spots throughout.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These bring that traditional cookie goodness though I sometimes throw in both dark and milk varieties.
- M&M's: Those Christmas red and green candies turn these into true holiday treats.
- Pretzels: Just snap them into chunks for that amazing salty bite.
- Butter: Stick with unsalted and melt it first for extra tenderness in your bars.
- Sprinkles: I toss in red and green jimmies whenever I want that extra festive touch.
Easy Assembly Guide
- Get Everything Ready
- The first step is cutting those caramels and snapping pretzels into smaller bits.
- Combine Your Batter
- Stir melted butter with your sugars before adding eggs and vanilla. Gently mix in dry stuff just until blended then fold in all those tasty additions.
- Set Up Your Baking Dish
- Spread everything into your lined dish and I smooth it flat with a measuring cup bottom. Add extra goodies on top for looks.
- Into The Oven
- Slide it into a 350°F oven for around 16 minutes until you see golden edges. Cool them right in the dish.
- Cool And Cut
- For clean edges I always cool them in the refrigerator before cutting. Makes such neat squares.
Storage Secrets
These treats stay soft and tasty for 3 days when kept in a container at room temp or nearly a week when refrigerated. They're great for making ahead since they freeze well for up to two months. Just keep in mind those pretzel pieces might soften over time so I typically add those to batches we'll eat quickly.
Pro Baking Tricks
Want those Instagram-worthy slices? Stick the pan in the freezer briefly before cutting. I always dip my knife in hot water then wipe it dry between cuts for super clean lines. Don't be afraid to switch up what's inside - sometimes I throw in white chips or butterscotch morsels. A tiny pinch of sea salt on top really brings out all the flavors.
Change It Up
These bars work any time of year just by switching your M&M colors for different celebrations. At Christmas I love adding smashed candy canes or zigzagging white chocolate across the top. You can try so many things just use whatever seasonal treats you fancy.
Great Gift Option
These bars always win fans at holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Their bright colors catch attention and their taste keeps everyone coming back. Wrap them in cute boxes with some tissue and you've got heartwarming handmade presents that anyone would love.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch up the add-ins?
- Absolutely! Use 2 cups of your favorite mix-ins like nuts, candies, chocolates, or pretzels. Get creative!
- → What if my dough looks too soft?
- Let it sit for 5 minutes so the butter cools. If it’s still too soft, add up to 1/4 cup of flour.
- → What’s the best way to keep these fresh?
- Seal them in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze in a bag or container for up to 2 months.
- → Can I replace butter with margarine?
- Nope, stick to real unsalted butter for the best texture and taste. Margarine changes the results.
- → Why skip a mixer for this dough?
- Mixing by hand with a spatula avoids overworking the dough, which keeps the bars soft and chewy. Just combine ingredients.