Name: Christmas Holiday Blondies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms; 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Table of Contents: Christmas Holiday Blondies

Christmas Holiday Blondies

If you’re craving a rich, buttery, golden dessert that captures the magic of the holiday season—this Christmas Holiday Blondies recipe is your new go-to. With festive red and green M&Ms, sparkling sprinkles, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these bars are like edible holiday cheer. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering, baking for neighbors, or just enjoying an easy comfort food for family dinners, these blondies bring warmth and joy to every plate. Skip the fuss—no intricate decorating needed. Just simple ingredients, 15 minutes of prep, and a flavor that sings “snowy nights and hot cocoa.”

Introduction: Christmas Holiday Blondies

Every holiday kitchen needs a signature dessert—and this Christmas Holiday Blondies recipe is mine. Often mistaken for Christmas Brownies, blondies are their lighter, caramel-kissed cousin: buttery, chewy, vanilla-blushed, and deeply satisfying. Unlike chocolate brownies, blondies let the festive mix-ins truly shine. That’s why this Festive Blondie Recipe is perfect for the season: it’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and ready faster than your cookie sheets can cool.

These Holiday Dessert Bars are ideal for cookie swaps, last-minute guest arrivals, or gifting in holiday tins. Their golden crust and soft interior make them elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. Bake them the night before to reduce holiday stress. The real magic? The moment you slice into those thick, sprinkle-speckled squares—golden layers bursting with pops of red and green. They’re guaranteed to steal the show at any holiday dessert table.

Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe might also be called:
– Festive Blondie Bars
– Christmas Vanilla Blondies
– Red and Green M&M Blondies
– Holiday Sprinkle Brownies (a common search, though not technically brownies—see FAQ below)
– Christmas Brownies (a popular mislabel, but a great related keyword!)
– Easy Winter Dessert Squares

For a fun twist, try Peppermint Blondies, Eggnog Blondies, or add crushed candy canes on top for a minty crunch.

Ingredients: Christmas Holiday Blondies

– 1 cup salted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature (rich and evenly incorporated)
– 1 ¼ cups granulated white sugar (for a crisp golden crust)

– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (high-quality, aromatic)
– 1 large egg at room temperature (binds and adds structure)
– 1 large egg yolk at room temperature (extra richness, chewy texture)
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (precise measurement prevents dryness)

– ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (balances sweetness, enhances flavor)
– ½ cup red and green M&Ms, holiday-themed (for festive crunch)
– ¼ cup Christmas-colored sprinkles, jimmies, and stars (for visual sparkle)

– Extra red and green M&Ms and sprinkles for topping before baking (optional but recommended)

Pro Tip: Use vibrant, non-melting holiday sprinkles only on top—this keeps the mix-ins bright and intact.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.

2. In a large mixing bowl, pour the melted and cooled salted butter. Add the white sugar and whisk until smooth. The mixture will be thick and glossy.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk. Mix until fully combined—about 1 minute. The batter should emulsify slightly.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the spooned and leveled flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until JUST combined. Overmixing leads to dense blondies—stop when no flour streaks remain.

5. Fold in the ½ cup red and green M&Ms and ¼ cup Christmas sprinkles. Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of mix-ins for topping.

6. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Use the spatula to spread evenly into corners. Smooth the top lightly.

7. Sprinkle reserved M&Ms and sprinkles evenly over the top—press GENTLY so they adhere but don’t sink.

8. Bake for 24–28 minutes. The edges will be golden brown, and the center should be slightly wobbly or set when shaken. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs—not raw batter.

9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 2 hours). This ensures clean, sharp cuts.

10. Lift the blondies out using the parchment overhang. Slice into 9 or 16 squares and serve.

Chef Tip: For extra-chewy texture, chill the batter in the pan for 15 minutes before baking. Prevents over-spreading!

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 26 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 41 minutes (includes cooling)
Servings: 9–16 bars (depending on size)
Approximate Calories: 280 per bar (based on 16 squares)
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Category: Dessert, Baking
Method: Baking
Diet: Vegetarian
Yield: 9×8-inch pan
Serving Size: 1 bar
Sugar: 18g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 32g | Fiber: 0.5g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 140mg | Cholesterol: 55mg

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Christmas Holiday Blondies recipe stands out because it balances texture with festivity. The double egg (plus yolk) creates a soft, fudgy-yet-chewy crumb, while using room-temperature eggs ensures even mixing and prevents greasiness. The spooned-and-leveled flour keeps the bars from becoming tough—a golden rule in blondie baking.

The secret to success? Cooled melted butter. Too warm, and it overmixes the egg, causing a runny batter. Too cold, and it won’t emulsify. Room-temperature ingredients create harmony.

For the best easy comfort food for family dinners, these bars are also adaptable. Use dairy-free butter and alternative sprinkles for allergy-friendly versions. The Festive Blondie Recipe is inherently flexible—swap in chopped pecans, white chocolate chips, or even crushed graham crackers for a “gingerbread blondie” twist. Bake them in a 9×9 pan for slightly thinner, crispier edges.

Always cool completely before cutting. Warm blondies tear; cooled blondies slice beautifully, making them perfect for Holiday Dessert Bars that impress on presentation and taste.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store cooled Christmas Holiday Blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place—avoid the fridge, which can dry them out.

For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours.

To reheat, place on a microwave-safe plate for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. Or toast in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive the crust.

These Festive Blondie Bars also freeze beautifully before baking—portion the batter with mix-ins, shape into squares, freeze on a tray, then bag for later. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to cook time. A true holiday dessert time-saver!

People Also Ask: Christmas Holiday Blondies

What are blondies and how do they differ from brownies?

Blondies are a buttery, vanilla-based dessert bar made without chocolate, showcasing a golden, caramelized base. Unlike Christmas Brownies, which rely on cocoa or melted chocolate for depth, blondies emphasize rich butter, sugar, and eggs for a chewy, cake-like texture. Their light base allows holiday-themed mix-ins like sprinkles and colored candies to stand out, making them perfect for Festive Blondie Recipes. While brownies are chocolatey and dense, blondies are soft, slightly crisp on top, and ideal for customizing with seasonal flair. Both are beloved, but blondies bring versatility to the Holiday Dessert Bars lineup.

How do you make holiday-themed blondies?

Creating holiday-themed blondies is simple and fun: start with a classic blondie base, then fold in festive ingredients like red and green M&Ms, Christmas sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or mini marshmallows. Use colored sugar, edible snowflakes, or gold dust for extra sparkle. Bake in a square pan for easy slicing into Holiday Dessert Bars. This Festive Blondie Recipe uses bright, joyful mix-ins that complement the buttery blonde base. For aroma, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve in holiday tins or on a platter surrounded by pinecones—they’re a Christmas Brownie alternative with personality and holiday charm in every bite.

What mix-ins are good for Christmas blondies?

Great mix-ins for Christmas blondies include red and green M&Ms, holiday jimmies, mini chocolate chips, chopped red or green candied cherries, crushed candy canes, or white chocolate chunks. For texture, add toasted pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut. The key is balancing sweetness and color—stick to seasonal palettes like red, green, white, and gold. Avoid heavy items like fruit purees that weaken structure. For elegance, use metallic sprinkles or star-shaped quins. This Festive Blondie Recipe proves that simple mix-ins transform a basic blondie into a showstopping Holiday Dessert Bar. Save extras for topping—visual appeal is everything!

Can you add food coloring to blondies?

Yes, you can add food coloring to blondies, but for Christmas Holiday Blondies, it’s best to skip it. The golden base created by melted butter and sugar is part of the charm—it’s naturally festive when studded with colorful M&Ms and sprinkles. Adding liquid food coloring can risk runny batter; gel coloring is safer but may change texture. Instead, use natural color sources: sprinkles, candies, or even a small amount of freeze-dried raspberry powder for rosy tint. Focus on holiday-themed mix-ins to deliver color without compromising the integrity of the Festive Blondie Recipe. Let the ingredients shine—no dye needed for that Holiday Dessert Bar magic!

Conclusion: Christmas Holiday Blondies

If you want a dessert that’s easy, memorable, and bursting with holiday spirit, these Christmas Holiday Blondies are your answer. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll tuck into your annual playbook—perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying by the fireplace with a glass of milk. Whether you call them Festive Blondie Bars or confuse them with Christmas Brownies, there’s no denying: they taste like celebration.

Tag us on social when you bake them—we love seeing your sprinkle-perfect creations! Share with friends, freeze half for January blues, or slice them into mini bites for a cookie platter. After all, the holidays are about joy, ease, and dessert that brings people together. Grab your spatula… the magic starts now.