Jolly Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Joy

Sweet indulgence meets festive cheer in these christmas m&m cookie cheesecake bars that promise a delightful twist on classic desserts.

Creamy layers dance with crunchy cookie bits, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Colorful candies peek through rich cream cheese, adding playful bursts of holiday spirit.

Chocolate chips and seasonal m&m’s mingle in a decadent blend that screams celebration.

Baking these treats becomes an adventure of flavor and texture.

Guests will marvel at the intricate balance between smooth cheesecake and crisp cookie base.

Whip up this irresistible dessert and watch smiles light up the room.

What Makes Christmas Cookie Cheesecake Bars Shine

• Treat Holiday Guests with Ease: Whip up these delightful bars that look and taste like a professional dessert without complicated techniques.
• Customize for Festive Fun: Swap Christmas M&Ms for seasonal colors, making this recipe perfect for any celebration throughout the year.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients mean you can create a showstopping dessert that will impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Involves easy steps that children can help with, like sprinkling M&Ms and pressing cookie dough, turning baking into a fun family activity.

M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Ingredient List

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough: Soft and sweet base for the bars.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich filling for the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake.
• Brown Sugar: Provides depth of flavor and moisture.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.
• Egg: Helps bind and set the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor.

• Christmas M&M Candies: Colorful and festive candy decoration.

• Parchment Paper: Helps with easy removal of bars.
• Wire Rack: Used for cooling the baked dessert.

M&M Cheesecake Bars (Christmas Style) – Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Base

Spread half of the chocolate chip cookie dough across the bottom of the pan, pressing it down to form an even, smooth layer that covers the entire surface.

Step 3: Whip the Cheesecake Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Salt

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Enhance the Cheesecake Mixture

Pour in the egg and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and uniform in texture.

Step 5: Layer the Cheesecake

Carefully spread the cheesecake filling over the cookie dough base, ensuring an even distribution across the entire pan.

Step 6: Sprinkle the First M&M Layer

Scatter half of the Christmas M&Ms across the cheesecake filling, creating a colorful and festive pattern.

Step 7: Add the Crumble Topping

Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the M&Ms and cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the rest of the M&Ms on top for extra color and crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a set cheesecake layer as your doneness indicator.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help the bars set and make slicing easier.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into neat squares and enjoy your festive dessert!

Guidance for M&M Cheesecake Cookie Bars

• Choose Quality M&Ms: Select fresh, colorful Christmas M&Ms for a vibrant, festive appearance that adds visual appeal and bursts of chocolate flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Soften cream cheese and egg beforehand to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling with perfect texture and consistent mixing.
• Perfect Cutting Technique: Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours to help them set, enabling clean, precise cuts and preventing crumbly edges when slicing.
• Prevent Overbaking: Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes of baking to avoid dry edges, ensuring the cheesecake layer remains creamy and the cookie layers stay moist.
• Parchment Paper Trick: Use parchment paper overhang as easy handles for lifting bars out of the pan, preventing potential breakage and creating clean, professional-looking dessert squares.

Christmas M&M Cheesecake Bars: Easy Storage Guide

• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them chilled to maintain texture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to slowly defrost without losing moisture or texture.
• Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, or let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Cookie Cheesecake Bars Match Guide

• Indulge with Perfect Pairings
• Brew Festive Espresso Martini: Mix vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur to complement the sweet cookie and cheesecake layers with a boozy, caffeinated kick.
• Sip Spiced Holiday Milk: Warm milk infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla creates a nostalgic, comforting beverage that enhances the dessert's rich flavors.
• Enjoy Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Creamy hot chocolate topped with crushed candy canes mirrors the Christmas M&Ms' festive spirit and adds a cool, minty contrast to the warm, sweet bars.
• Savor Caramel Cream Liqueur: Smooth, sweet caramel liqueur provides a luxurious companion that echoes the dessert's decadent texture and sugary notes.

M&M Bar Mix-Ins

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace chocolate chip cookie dough with gluten-free cookie dough or almond flour-based cookie base. Use certified gluten-free M&Ms for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use plant-based egg replacer or silken tofu. Select vegan-friendly chocolate chip cookie dough and dairy-free M&M style candies.
• Low-Sugar Version: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free chocolate chip cookie dough. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Seasonal Modification: Replace Christmas M&Ms with seasonal color variations like Valentine's Day pink/red M&Ms or Halloween orange/black candies. Adjust topping decorations to match specific holiday theme.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade chocolate chip cookie dough. Just ensure it’s a similar consistency to store-bought dough for the best results.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and a set cheesecake layer that doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

• Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

• What if I don't have Christmas M&Ms?

Regular M&Ms or other festive seasonal candies work perfectly fine. You can also use chocolate chips or chopped chocolate as an alternative.

Christmas M&M Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Christmas M&M cookie cheesecake bars blend festive cookie crunch with creamy cheesecake magic. Rich holiday dessert layers melt-in-your-mouth goodness that sparks joy on your holiday table and delights guests with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
• 1 cup Christmas mix M&Ms
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese

Baking Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and positioning a parchment paper liner in an 8×8-inch baking pan with extended edges for convenient removal.
2. Carefully distribute half of the chocolate chip cookie dough across the pan’s bottom, ensuring a uniform and compact base layer.
3. Utilize a medium mixing bowl to transform cream cheese into a silky smooth texture through vigorous beating.
4. Incorporate granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt into the cream cheese, mixing until the ingredients merge into a harmonious blend.
5. Introduce egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, whisking until the filling achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Gently cascade the cheesecake filling over the cookie dough foundation, spreading it evenly to create a balanced layer.
7. Artfully scatter the first portion of Christmas M&Ms across the cheesecake surface, creating a festive mosaic.
8. Delicately crumble the remaining cookie dough over the M&M-studded cheesecake layer, generating a rustic, textured topping.
9. Complete the decoration by sprinkling the final batch of M&Ms across the surface, ensuring colorful distribution.
10. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the top turns golden and the cheesecake sets firmly.
11. After removing from the oven, allow the dessert to cool completely on a wire rack, letting the layers stabilize and flavors meld.
12. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve clean, precise cutting lines and optimal serving texture.

Notes

• Swap regular chocolate chip cookie dough with gluten-free or vegan alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Chill cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Use silicone baking pan for easier removal and more even baking if parchment paper isn’t available.
• Adjust baking time slightly for darker or lighter pans to prevent over or undercooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg