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As the holiday season gets underway, these Christmas bars are my reliable go-to for parties, bake sales, and family movie nights. With their irresistible chocolate base, gooey marshmallows, and just the right crunch, they capture the spirit of festive gatherings and bring out nostalgic smiles in every bite. Whether you’re short on time or want a treat that pleases all ages, this recipe makes it easy to spread holiday cheer one bar at a time.
When I whipped up my first batch, my kitchen filled with the dreamy scent of melted butter and cocoa — the kind of aroma that calls everyone to the kitchen. Now, everyone expects a tin of these on the counter all December.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: provide the cookie-like foundation and a light crunch look for fresh whole crackers to crush at home for best flavor
- Powdered sugar: creates a smooth melt-in-your-mouth sweetness sift to remove lumps
- Unsalted melted butter: binds everything and adds rich flavor choose high quality for best results
- Mini marshmallows: add delightful chewiness and a playful touch fresh and soft marshmallows melt best
- Chocolate chips: bring out chocolate richness choose dark milk or white and grab a quality brand for optimal flavor
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: boosts chocolate flavor opt for premium cocoa for a deeper taste
- Chopped nuts (optional): for nutty crunch walnuts or pecans work well just make sure they are fresh
- Sweetened condensed milk: creamy and sweet it holds the bars together use fresh for best results
How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius before starting anything else. This prep ensures your bars bake evenly and develop that perfect texture throughout.
- Prepare the Crumb Base:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs powdered sugar cocoa powder and a pinch of salt if using. Whisk thoroughly to break up clumps and create a uniform base. Your kitchen should already smell like chocolate heaven.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients:
- Pour in melted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir patiently until the dry ingredients are moistened and the mixture is thick and sticky. The goal is an even texture throughout so every bar gets the same flavor punch.
- Add the Marshmallows and Chocolate:
- Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. You want every square inch to grab a bit of both. If you use nuts add them now lightly tossing to distribute everything evenly.
- Spread in Pan and Bake:
- Line a nine by thirteen inch pan with parchment or grease with butter. Spread the thick mixture into an even layer. Packing it gently ensures solid bars once baked. Smooth the top with a spatula for a polished finish. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the edges are set and the center no longer appears wet.
- Cool and Slice:
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before you attempt to cut them. Resist the urge to rush this step. Cooling keeps the bars from crumbling. When ready use a sharp knife to cut into small festive squares for easy sharing.
One of my favorite memories is seeing my daughter sneak the marshmallows straight from the mixing bowl. Our family tradition now includes leaving a plate of these bars out for Santa every year and there are never any leftovers the next morning.
Flavor Boosters
Mix in dried cranberries or chopped candied ginger for a holiday sparkle. Add peppermint extract or crushed candy canes for a wintery mint twist. Swirl caramel or white chocolate before baking for a luxurious upgrade.
Serving Suggestions
Pile the bars high on a decorative platter with a dusting of extra powdered sugar for a snowy look. Serve with mugs of spiced cider or peppermint tea for a full holiday experience. For a decadent dessert layer bars with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Creative Twists
Swap regular graham crackers for gluten free versions or ground almond flour for a gluten free twist. Use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy free recipe. Opt for your favorite chocolate chunks or leftover holiday candies. Mini marshmallows can be replaced with chopped large marshmallows if needed.
If you are prepping these for gifting or a party make a double batch. I have yet to see anyone turn down seconds and these go quickly when set next to a mug of hot cocoa. The smell alone is enough to get everyone into the kitchen and the cheerful bars are always the first dessert to disappear from our holiday table.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → Can I prepare the bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day or two before serving. Store in an airtight container and the bars will stay fresh, with flavors melding for an even better taste.
- → How should I store leftover bars?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn.
- → Are there gluten-free or vegan-friendly options?
Absolutely. Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crackers or almond flour. For vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter and a coconut milk-based condensed milk.
- → Can I customize the ingredient mix?
You can easily swap nuts for seeds, add dried fruit, vary chocolate chips, or incorporate festive flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- → What beverages or sides pair well?
Serve the bars with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or coffee. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes for a delightful dessert presentation.
- → Are these bars suitable for children?
Yes, kids love the sweet chocolate and marshmallow combination. Just check for allergies, especially if adding nuts or using specific marshmallow varieties.