If you’re searching for a delightfully rich treat that combines festive flair with a fudgy, chocolatey punch, look no further than this Sheet Pan M&M Chocolate Holiday Bars Recipe. These bars are packed full of vibrant M&Ms or sugar-free candy-coated chocolates that bring both color and crunch to every bite. Perfectly moist and chewy, they’re the ideal dessert for parties, gifting, or topping your holiday dessert trays. The ease of using a sheet pan means you get a crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss—just mix, spread, and bake to holiday happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step view of making cookie dough with colorful red and green candies. First, a grey mixing bowl contains light brown cookie dough with a copper whisk inside, next to a small clear bowl with white flour. Then, two woman's hands pour the white flour into the bowl with the dough. After that, a woman's hand holds the grey bowl while a blue spatula mixes the dough, showing a thick, gooey texture. Next, another image shows the thickness deepened, with the woman's hand mixing more. The following frame includes the dough mixed with red and green candies, the dough looking thick and studded with candies. Afterward, a woman's hands spread the dough evenly into a white tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. The last two images show the dough flattened and decorated with candies, and then being cut evenly into squares using a black cutter by a woman's hand. The whole scene has a clean, bright appearance with a white marbled background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each adding a special touch to texture, flavor, and festive appeal. From rich almond flour to guilt-free sugar-free M&M-style candies, every component plays its part to make your bars unforgettable.

1 1/2 cups almond flour: Provides a moist, slightly nutty base that keeps the bars tender and gluten-free.
2 tbsp cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
1/2 cup melted butter: Brings richness and helps create that fudgy consistency we all crave.
1/2 cup powdered sweetener: Keeps things sweet without the sugar crash, ideal for low-carb diets.
2 eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to the cakey yet dense texture.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle touch that brightens the chocolate’s earthiness.
1 tsp baking powder: Ensures the bars rise just enough for a soft, fluffy bite.
1/2 cup sugar-free chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout.
1/4 cup sugar-free M&M-style candies: Tops the bars with a colorful crunch and festive feel.

How to Make Sheet Pan M&M Chocolate Holiday Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out clean and keep their shape beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sweetener, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. This blend is the luscious backbone of your bars.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, stir almond flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. These dry ingredients deliver the perfect structure and richness without gluten, making these bars accessible to many.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry mix into the wet mixture until fully combined. Then, fold in the sugar-free chocolate chips, ensuring every bite will have melty pockets of chocolate joy.

Step 5: Spread and Top

Spread the batter evenly over your parchment-lined sheet pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle the vibrant sugar-free M&M-style candies evenly on top—they’ll infuse fun and festive color while adding a satisfying crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your bars for 18 to 22 minutes until they are set but still fudge-like inside. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely before slicing into approximately 16 squares.

How to Serve Sheet Pan M&M Chocolate Holiday Bars Recipe

A stack of six thick square cookie bars sitting on a white plate, each bar showing a light brown, soft dough base filled with many dark brown chocolate chips throughout. The top layer is decorated with colorful red, green, and white round and long sprinkle shapes, plus green and red candy-coated chocolate pieces scattered around. The cookie bar edges are slightly rough and crumbly, and the background has green pine needles and a plaid cloth in red and green colors beneath the plate. The lighting is bright, showing all details clearly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To give your bars an extra festive touch, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle some melted white chocolate or peppermint bark on top. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes also add delightful holiday vibes.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cozy mug of hot cocoa, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert experience that feels indulgent yet approachable. These bars also pair wonderfully with a simple fruit salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these bars in a colorful holiday-themed tin or wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for gifting. Lining a festive dessert tray with spruce branches or cinnamon sticks will elevate presentation and invite guests to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Sheet Pan M&M Chocolate Holiday Bars Recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This preserves the fudgy texture and keeps the candy coating vibrant and crunchy.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months, so you can enjoy the celebration any time you want a sweet holiday mood.

Reheating

To enjoy these bars warm, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm in a low oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that gooey, melty quality that makes them irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use regular M&Ms instead of sugar-free candies?

Absolutely! Regular M&Ms work just as well and add the same festive touch. The recipe adapts easily depending on your preference for sugar content.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, thanks to the almond flour base, these bars are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I substitute almond flour with another flour?

While almond flour is ideal for texture and flavor, you can try coconut flour but use about one-third the amount and adjust liquids accordingly. Keep in mind the texture will differ.

What’s the best way to cut these bars evenly?

Using a sharp knife and cutting after the bars have fully cooled ensures clean edges. Wiping the knife between cuts can help maintain tidy slices.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make festive additions that bring an extra layer of flavor and texture to the bars.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing these Sheet Pan M&M Chocolate Holiday Bars Recipe. They’re simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and brimming with joyful colors and flavors that capture the essence of the holidays. Whether you’re gifting friends, decorating your dessert table, or treating yourself, these bars are sure to become a treasured favorite in your festive baking repertoire. Go ahead and bake a batch—you won’t regret it!