Chocolate Toffee Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Festive Treat
Gooey morsels studded with crunchy shards and rainbow candies embody festive indulgence.
If you are in search of a show-stopping holiday dessert that is equal parts festive, chewy, and utterly indulgent, look no further than chocolate toffee cookie bars. These bars beautifully combine buttery homemade toffee, chewy blondie-style cookie, and a generous scattering of chocolate chips and red and green M&M’s, making them perfect for any Christmas cookie plate or swap. Whether bringing them to a festive gathering or adding to Santa’s cookie spread, their gooey goodness and festive colors guarantee they’re the first dessert to disappear.
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars
- Festive and colorful: Bright red and green M&M’s give these bars a merry holiday look.
- Crispy homemade toffee: Every bite bursts with shards of buttery toffee, adding amazing crunch and flavor.
- Chewy texture: Thanks to a rich cookie dough base, the bars stay moist and delicious for days.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, cookie swaps, or gifting during the holiday season.
- Surprisingly easy: Homemade toffee may sound intimidating, but it’s delightfully achievable for bakers of all levels.
What Sets These Bars Apart?
Unlike ordinary chocolate chip cookie bars, these treats feature a layer of homemade toffee folded right into the dough. The toffee comes together in minutes, and the result is an irresistible sweet crunch throughout the bars. The M&M’s and chocolate chips add pops of color and decadent flavor, making these bars as beautiful as they are delicious.
Homemade Toffee: Easier Than You Think
Making toffee at home requires just two ingredients—unsalted butter and dark brown sugar—and a few minutes of gentle stirring. The key is to cook the mixture until it reaches a deep golden color and a temperature of 290°F, known as the “hard crack” stage. Once cooled and broken up, the toffee is mixed into the cookie dough for a sensational crunchy-sweet surprise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Toffee
- Cooking spray (for the pan)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
For the Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups red and green M&M’s (divided)
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)
Step-by-Step Recipe Directions
Make the Toffee
- Line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with foil and coat with cooking spray for easy release.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in 1 cup dark brown sugar.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook 4–5 minutes until a golden caramel forms and the mixture reaches 290°F on a candy thermometer.
- Carefully pour the toffee into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. Let cool and harden for about 20 minutes.
- Turn out the toffee onto a cutting board. Place in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush into small bite-sized pieces (about 1 1/2 cups total).
Prepare the Cookie Bar Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Spray the paper with cooking spray.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, beat 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Reduce the speed to low. Add 3 eggs (one at a time), followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions. Mix on low until just incorporated, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Using a rubber spatula, fold in 1 cup M&M’s, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and 1 cup toffee pieces.
Assemble and Bake
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, pressing into an even layer.
- Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup toffee pieces, 1/4 cup M&M’s, and 1/4 cup chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use the parchment overhang to lift and transfer to a cutting board.
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Tips for Success
- Consistency matters: Creaming the butter and sugars thoroughly gives the bars their chewy texture.
- Toffee temperature: Use a candy thermometer for precise toffee results—aim for exactly 290°F (not above, not below).
- Chill out: Let the toffee cool completely before breaking up. Warm toffee can be dangerously sticky.
- Mix-ins: For even distribution, fold the mix-ins gently by hand after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Cut with care: A sharp, heavy knife works best for slicing through the sticky, chewy bars once cooled.
Storing and Freezing
How to Store
Allow the bars to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Stored at room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to three days. For slightly longer shelf life, keep them in the refrigerator, though bring to room temperature before enjoying for optimal flavor and texture.
How to Freeze
- Arrange cooled bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper.
- Seal tightly and freeze for up to three months.
- To serve, remove from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about one hour.
Holiday Variations and Substitutions
This adaptable recipe welcomes your creativity. Here are a few festive twists to try:
- Swap the M&M’s for peanut butter, caramel, or mint-flavored candies for a different taste profile.
- Mix in chopped toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for extra crunch and a nutty dimension.
- Try dark or milk chocolate chips—or even white chocolate—for a flavor change.
- Use colored sprinkles in place of M&M’s for year-round celebrations or themed events.
- If in a pinch, use store-bought toffee bits instead of homemade toffee for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
- Cut into squares or rectangles and arrange on a platter for cookie exchanges or holiday dessert tables.
- Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with festive ribbon for edible gifts.
- Pair with a tall glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for the perfect treat.
- Add to a cookie tin alongside other classic holiday treats like gingerbread bars, red velvet brownies, or scotcheroos for a merry assortment.
Chocolate Toffee Cookie Bars: Perfect for Any Celebration
While these bars are a beloved Christmas classic—thanks in part to their festive coloring and indulgent flavor—they’re a hit year-round. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, attending a potluck, or just craving something sweet and chewy, this recipe delivers every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer for the toffee?
No problem! You can judge by color; when the mixture is a rich golden-brown and pulls away cleanly from the sides of the pan, it’s ready. If you have a glass of cold water, drop a bit of toffee in—if it hardens immediately, it’s at “hard crack” stage and safe to use.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour for a one-to-one gluten-free baking blend. Check that your other ingredients (like M&M’s) are also gluten-free to be safe.
How can I make the bars extra gooey?
Add an extra egg yolk to the dough or underbake by a minute or two for a softer, gooier center. Be careful not to add too much moisture, or the bars may not hold their shape.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Absolutely. Dark brown sugar lends richer caramel undertones, but light brown sugar works in a pinch, producing a slightly lighter flavor and color.
How do I get clean cuts on my cookie bars?
Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth between cuts for the neatest squares.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Sugar | 36g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 110mg |
*Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.
Other Festive Bar Cookie Inspirations
- Carmelitas: Gooey chocolate, caramel, and pecans sandwiched in an oat cookie base.
- Butterscotch-Pretzel Bars: Crunchy, salty, sweet—layered with pretzels, peanuts, butterscotch, and chocolate chips.
- Red Velvet Brownies: Classic red velvet flavor with a chocolate twist and a cream cheese swirl.
- Cherry Cookie Bars: Chewy bars studded with cherries and finished with a lemon glaze.
- Scotcheroos: A beloved Midwest classic combining chocolate, peanut butter, and butterscotch with a crispy base.
Bring the Magic to Your Holiday Table
Few treats say “holiday” like the colorful, celebratory look of chocolate toffee cookie bars. With their irresistible chewy-crunchy texture, homemade toffee richness, and just the right balance of chocolate, they’re sure to become a staple in your festive repertoire—whether you’re filling a cookie tin, sharing at a swap, or just sneaking one from the pan late at night. Bake up a batch and let the merry making begin!
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