š How to Make the Best Bar Cookies for Christmas
Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, then coat generously with cooking spray. This makes cleanup easy and ensures the bars lift cleanly after cooling.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer. The mixture will look a bit crumbly at first, but once you add the eggs and vanilla, it will become smooth and thick.
Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the salt, baking powder, and flour. Mix until the dough comes together. Then gently fold in the M&Ms and sprinklesāsave a few for the top!
Press Into Pan: The dough will be soft and a bit sticky. Scoop it into the prepared pan, then lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to help press it evenly across the surface. Press extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
Bake: Bake at 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) for 22ā25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Slightly underbaking gives them that perfect chewy texture, as theyāll continue to cook slightly while cooling in the pan.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil. Slice into squares and serve!
