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Each Christmas, I whip up these addictive cookie bars that fill my kitchen with happiness. Packed with seasonal M&Ms, gooey caramel and broken pretzels, they're my favorite when I need something fancy yet straightforward. The mix of soft, sweet and salty makes everyone smile when they notice these gems on my holiday dessert tray.
The Magic Behind These Tasty Bars
What gets me excited about these bars is how they pack all the goodness of cookies without dealing with spoons and scoops. The consistency is just right - soft in the center with tiny bits of crunch from candies and pretzels. And that hint of caramel really makes them stand out. They're my go-to trick for hectic holiday baking sessions.
Must-Have Components
- Caramel: I prefer using tiny chunks of Werther's or Kraft that create amazing pockets of sweetness as they melt.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They deliver that traditional cookie flavor, and sometimes I throw in a combo of milk and dark varieties.
- M&M's: Those Christmas red and green candies turn these treats into holiday wonders.
- Pretzels: Simply snap them into smaller bits for that wonderful savory crunch.
- Butter: I only use melted unsalted butter as it creates such a soft texture.
- Sprinkles: Red and green jimmies work great when I want that extra festive touch.
Making Your Bars
- Get Everything Ready
- My first task is cutting those caramels and snapping pretzels into smaller chunks.
- Create Your Base
- Blend your melted butter with sugars, then put in eggs and vanilla. Add dry stuff until just mixed, then dump in all those yummy extras.
- Set Up Your Tray
- Push everything into your paper-lined tray - I use a measuring cup bottom to smooth it out. Toss extra goodies on top for extra appeal.
- Cook It Up
- Stick it in a 350°F oven around 16 minutes until you see golden edges. Cool them down right there in the pan.
- Cool and Cut
- For clean edges, I always stick them in the fridge first. Makes cutting so much easier.
Storage Secrets
These treats stay nice and soft for 3 days in a box on your counter or nearly a week when refrigerated. If you want to plan ahead, they freeze really well for a couple months. Just keep in mind those pretzels might get softer eventually, so I usually plan to eat those batches sooner.
Tricks I've Learned
Want super clean cuts? Stick the pan in the freezer briefly before slicing. I always warm my knife under hot water, wipe it dry then cut, and they look amazing. Don't be afraid to switch things up too - white chips or butterscotch bits work great. A tiny bit of sea salt on top really brings out all the flavors.
Changing It Up
These bars work for any occasion - just switch the M&M colors to match different holidays. During the winter holidays I enjoy adding smashed candy canes or putting white chocolate drizzle on top. You can try so many different things with your favorite seasonal treats.
Great for Giving
These treats always get compliments at holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. Their bright colors catch attention and their taste keeps folks coming back. Put them in cute containers with colored paper and they make wonderful handmade presents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap out the mix-ins?
- Totally! Combine up to 2 cups of your favorite treats like nuts, chocolates, or candies.
- → My dough seems too soft, what do I do?
- Let it rest for 5 minutes to cool. If it's still too soft, mix in up to a quarter cup of flour.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Seal in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months in storage bags.
- → Can margarine replace butter?
- Stick to unsalted butter. Margarine changes both the flavor and the texture.
- → Why avoid using a mixer?
- Hand-mixing keeps the dough tender. Overmixing with a mixer can make the bars tough.