Gooey Christmas Cookie Bars

🛒 Ingredients (Check Off As You Measure)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Christmas M&Ms (or red/green sprinkles mix), divided
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined.
3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir with a spatula until just combined—don't overmix. Fold in 3/4 cup of the M&Ms and all the chocolate chips.
4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup M&Ms over the top, pressing them in lightly.
5. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until the edges are set and golden but the center still looks slightly underdone. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars.
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