Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine gathering around the holiday table with family, the air filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats that blend the best of two worlds. This Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your go-to solution for creating a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for busy holiday seasons when you need something festive and foolproof. With its unique festive fusion of creamy cheesecake and chewy chocolate chip cookie dough, topped with vibrant Christmas M&Ms, these bars stand out as the ultimate holiday indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party or gifting homemade goodies, this recipe ensures every bite brings joy and nostalgia, making it the star of your festivities.

Picture the irresistible contrast of textures: a buttery, chewy cookie base that gives way to a velvety, smooth cheesecake layer, all speckled with the colorful crunch of Christmas M&Ms. Each bar delivers a symphony of flavors—rich chocolate notes from the cookie dough, a subtle tang from the cream cheese, and the sweet burst of holiday-themed candies that evoke the spirit of the season. The aroma of baking fills your kitchen, blending warm vanilla and chocolate scents that linger, drawing everyone in for a taste. These bars aren’t just dessert; they’re a festive experience that melts in your mouth, leaving you craving just one more piece.

What sets this Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe apart on exorecipes.com is our commitment to excellence, drawing from Chef Mia’s expertise and rigorous testing to deliver a version that’s simpler, more reliable, and bursting with holiday magic. You’ll discover the “Chef’s Secret” that elevates these bars to perfection, along with step-by-step guidance, pro tips, and answers to common questions that build your confidence in the kitchen. By the end, you’ll have all the tools to nail this recipe every time, making it the single best resource for holiday baking success.

Why This Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret to this recipe lies in its festive fusion of creamy cheesecake and chewy cookie dough, where using room-temperature ingredients ensures a seamless blend that creates an extra-smooth filling without any lumps. This technique allows the cheesecake layer to integrate perfectly with the cookie base, resulting in a harmonious texture that’s neither too dense nor too crumbly—truly elevating it above standard holiday bars. By incorporating a precise balance of sugars and M&Ms, we achieve a moisture-retaining effect that keeps the bars fresh and flavorful for days.

The unbeatable texture comes from the science of temperature control: room-temperature cream cheese and egg create an emulsion that locks in air, leading to a light, airy cheesecake layer atop the chewy cookie base. This high-fat content in the cream cheese prevents over-baking, ensuring the bars remain soft and gooey in the center while the edges crisp up just right, mimicking the best chocolate chip cookies with a cheesecake twist.

This recipe is foolproof because it’s been tested multiple times in real home kitchens, guaranteeing consistent results even for beginners. With clear instructions and built-in pro tips, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like uneven baking, making this Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe the most reliable option for holiday baking.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Start with the 16 oz package of refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough, which forms the chewy base of these bars. This ingredient provides a ready-made, high-quality foundation that’s packed with buttery chocolate chips, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Opt for a reputable brand to avoid artificial preservatives—quality dough means better flavor and consistency. If you’re substituting, try making your own from scratch using unsalted butter for control over salt levels, but ensure it’s chilled to mimic the packaged version’s firmness.

Next, 1 cup of Christmas mix M&Ms, divided, adds the festive twist that makes these bars shine. These colorful candies not only provide a crunchy contrast but also infuse bursts of chocolate and holiday flavors, enhancing visual appeal and taste. Choose fresh, high-quality M&Ms without any melting or staleness; they’re key for that signature festive look. For substitutions, regular M&Ms work in a pinch, or go for mini chocolate chips if you want a nut-free option, but the Christmas varieties truly capture the seasonal spirit.

The 8 oz of cream cheese, at room temperature, is the heart of the creamy cheesecake layer, delivering a tangy richness that balances the sweetness. Full-fat cream cheese ensures a velvety texture and prevents cracking; avoid low-fat versions as they can make the filling watery. A tested substitution is Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, but use it in equal measure and strain it first to maintain creaminess.

Granulated sugar at ⅓ cup sweetens the cheesecake filling without overpowering other flavors, providing the necessary structure for a smooth set. High-quality, pure cane sugar dissolves evenly, avoiding graininess—always sift it for best results. If substituting, coconut sugar can add a subtle caramel note, but reduce the amount slightly as it’s sweeter.

Brown sugar, 2 tbsp, adds depth and moisture to the filling, enhancing the caramel undertones that pair beautifully with the cookie dough. Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor, and store it in an airtight container to prevent hardening. A good alternative is muscovado sugar for its intense molasses taste, but measure carefully to avoid overpowering the mix.

¼ tsp of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing overall flavor in these Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars. It helps draw out the chocolate notes without making the bars taste salty. Always use fine sea salt for even distribution; kosher salt can substitute, but use a bit less due to its larger crystals.

Finally, 1 large egg, at room temperature, acts as a binder, adding richness and helping the cheesecake set properly. Fresh, organic eggs ensure the best emulsification and rise. For egg-free versions, consider a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) to maintain structure, though it may slightly alter the texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This step ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality parchment paper to avoid tears, and double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer for accuracy—variations can lead to underbaked or burnt edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough Base

Press half of the chocolate chip cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Make sure it’s compacted firmly for a solid base that holds the layers together.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overwork the dough, as it can become tough; press gently to maintain its chewy texture, and ensure the layer is uniform to prevent uneven baking.

Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt, then mix until well combined for a creamy, lump-free filling.

Pro Tip: Beat on low speed to incorporate air without over-mixing, which helps achieve that signature silky texture in your Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars.

Step 4: Incorporate the Egg and Flavors

Add the egg to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and creamy. This step binds the ingredients, creating a pourable consistency for even spreading.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Ensure the egg is at room temperature to avoid curdling; if it’s cold, it can create lumps that ruin the smooth finish.

Step 5: Spread the Cheesecake Filling

Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cookie dough layer in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out for a uniform layer that bakes perfectly.

Pro Tip: Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles, ensuring a flawlessly even cheesecake layer in your festive bars.

Step 6: Add the First Layer of M&Ms

Sprinkle half of the Christmas M&Ms over the cheesecake layer. This adds the festive touch and distributes flavor throughout.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t press the M&Ms in too deeply, as they might sink during baking; a light sprinkle keeps them visible and crunchy on top.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Dough and M&Ms

Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the M&Ms and cheesecake filling, then sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top for a decorative finish.

Pro Tip: Crumble the dough into pea-sized pieces for even coverage, allowing the cheesecake to peek through while maintaining that layered effect.

Step 8: Bake the Bars

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overbaking can dry out the bars, so check at 30 minutes by gently shaking the pan—if the center jiggles slightly, it’s done.

Step 9: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars for clean cuts. This firms up the layers, making portioning easy.

Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean slices, wiping it between cuts to keep edges neat.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation, cut these Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars into neat squares and arrange them on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Garnish with extra Christmas M&Ms or fresh mint leaves to enhance the holiday vibe, making them pop visually. Serve alongside a warm cup of cocoa or eggnog to complement the rich flavors, or pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent contrast. These bars shine as a standalone dessert but also elevate holiday cookie platters, impressing guests with their colorful appeal and perfect balance of textures.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

For make-ahead strategies, prepare the bars up to 3 days in advance by baking as directed, then storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the layers without baking and refrigerate the unbaked pan for up to 24 hours, baking fresh when needed to maintain texture.

Storing leftovers is simple: keep cooled bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months by wrapping individual portions in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag. This preserves their chewy and creamy qualities.

To reheat, thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore the original soft texture and flavors without sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Print

Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

• Author: Chef mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Celebrate the holidays with these delightful Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars! Combining creamy cheesecake and chocolate chip cookie dough, these festive bars are sprinkled with colorful Christmas M&Ms, making them the perfect treat for any holiday gathering. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1(16 oz) package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
• 1 cupChristmas mix M&Ms, divided
• 8 ozcream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cupgranulated sugar
• 2 tbspbrown sugar
• ¼ tspsalt
• 1large egg, room temperature

---

Instructions

1. Preheat yourovento 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan withparchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Press half of the chocolate chip cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
3. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt, and mix until well combined.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the cookie dough layer in the pan.
6. Sprinkle half of the Christmas M&Ms over the cheesecake layer.
7. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the M&Ms and cheesecake filling, and sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on awire rack.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars for clean cuts.

---

Notes

Ensure cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer.Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure they set properly.These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

---

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18
• Fat: 12
• Carbohydrates: 26
• Protein: 3