Santa Cookie Bars are the ultimate festive treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. These delightful bars are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips, Christmas M&M’s, and crushed Oreos. With a surprise layer of whole cookies in the middle, they are rich, buttery, and completely irresistible. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie trays, or cozy nights in with a mug of cocoa, one bite will make you understand why Santa would definitely approve!

Why You’ll Love This Santa Cookie Bars

These Santa Cookie Bars are not just cookies; they are an experience. Here’s why you’ll adore them:

They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick holiday treat.
Loaded with festive flavors that everyone loves, making them ideal for holiday cookie trays.
They offer a delightful surprise with whole cookies layered inside.
These bars are soft and chewy, providing that perfect texture.
They are perfect for sharing at parties or gifting to friends.
Made with popular ingredients like chocolate chips and Christmas M&M’s, they scream holiday cheer.

This Easy Santa Cookie Bars Recipe is sure to become a family favorite during the holiday season as they are a delicious way to celebrate Christmas!

Ingredients for Santa Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

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

How to Make Santa Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Step 4: Add the flour and mix until just combined; don’t overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and crushed Oreos, saving some for the top.
Step 6: Press about ⅓ of the cookie dough into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Step 7: Arrange the 9 whole Oreos in a single layer across the dough.
Step 8: Spread the remaining cookie dough on top, covering the Oreos.
Step 9: Sprinkle the reserved crushed Oreos and M&M’s over the top.
Step 10: Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 11: Let the bars cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Santa Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in.
Store in an airtight container for freshness.
For extra flavor, try adding nuts or dried fruit.

Best Ways to Serve Santa Cookie Bars

Here are some fun serving ideas:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat.
Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters for a fun twist.

How to Store and Reheat Santa Cookie Bars

To keep your Santa Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their chewy texture, making them perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Cookie Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Santa Cookie Bars?

The secret is not to overmix the dough and to ensure you use quality ingredients. Using Santa Cookie Bar Ingredients like fresh chocolate chips and Oreos can enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I make Santa Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time. They store well for several days in an airtight container, perfect for holiday gatherings!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Santa Cookie Bars?

Avoid overmixing the dough and ensure your oven is preheated. Baking at the right temperature is key to achieving those chewy Santa Cookie Squares.

Variations of Santa Cookie Bars You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

Add peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
Substitute peanut butter chips for chocolate chips for a rich flavor.
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option, making them suitable for various diets.

These gingerbread cookies are another festive treat that pairs well with the Santa Cookie Bars.

For more holiday recipes, check out our latest recipes page.

Enjoy making these delightful treats and share them with your loved ones!