As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like a sweet treat that brings warmth, joy, and festive cheer to your home. These Christmas Bars are exactly that: a rich, chocolatey dessert with gooey marshmallows and a chewy texture — perfect for sharing with family and friends. They’re easy to prepare, come together quickly, and always bring smiles. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something indulgent, these bars will make your holidays a bit sweeter and cozier.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Bars
- They come together in about 45 minutes — ideal when you’re busy but want something festive.
- The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and a chewy base captures the warm and fun spirit of the holidays.
- They are highly customizable: you can adjust mix-ins to include nuts, different chocolates, or extra festive ingredients.
- They’re perfect for parties, holiday dessert tables, or even as a homemade gift.
Ingredients for Christmas Bars
Here’s what you need to gather before you start:
- 2 cups (≈ 200 g) graham cracker crumbs — this makes a sweet, crunchy base.
- ¼ cup (≈ 25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder — gives a rich chocolate flavor.
- 1½ cups (≈ 180 g) powdered sugar — sweetens and gives a smooth texture.
- ¾ cup (≈ 170 g) unsalted butter, melted — binds everything together and adds richness. (If you prefer dairy-free, you can use ~¾ cup melted coconut oil instead.)
- 1 can (14 oz / ~397 g) sweetened condensed milk — adds moisture, sweetness, and gives the bars their chewy texture.
- 3 cups (≈ 150 g) mini marshmallows — for a fun, fluffy chewy element. (Regular marshmallows can work too, but minis distribute better.)
- 1½ cups (≈ 270 g) chocolate chips — you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate per your taste.
- Cranberry
- ½ cup (≈ 60 g) chopped nuts (optional) — walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch. You can skip if there are nut-allergies or if you prefer nut-free.
How to Make Christmas Bars
Follow these steps to make your Christmas Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Use a whisk or fork to mix — this breaks up any lumps and helps flavors blend well.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted butter and the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until everything is well combined — the mixture should become thick and sticky.
Step 4: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, cranberry , and chopped nuts (if using). Mix carefully to keep marshmallows fluffy and ensure even distribution.
Step 5: Spread & Bake
Grease a baking pan (a 9×13 inch pan works well), then spread the mixture evenly using a spatula. Smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes. The bars are done when the edges look set and the center is slightly firm.
Step 6: Cool & Cut
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares — you can go for bite-sized pieces if you like.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the butter is fully melted before mixing — this ensures a smooth mixture.
- Use a non-stick spray or line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Feel free to customize: swap nuts for seeds, add dried fruit or coconut, or experiment with different kinds of chocolate.
- For a dairy-free option: substitute butter with coconut oil, and replace sweetened condensed milk with a vegan alternative (e.g. sweetened coconut milk reduced down).
- For a nut-free version: skip the nuts and optionally add extra chocolate chips or dried fruit for texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Christmas Bars with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider — perfect cozy holiday snack.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert experience.
- For a festive presentation, dust them with powdered sugar before serving, or arrange them on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves or seasonal berries.
Variation Ideas
- Nut-Free Bars — omit the nuts, or replace with seeds/dried fruit.
- Gluten-Free Option — replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free grahams or almond flour.
- Vegan Adaptation — use coconut oil instead of butter, and vegan sweetened condensed milk (or a coconut-milk based version).
- Mint Chocolate Twist — add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing minty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Festive Fruit & Nut Medley — add dried cranberries or cherries with nuts for a colorful, holiday-style bar.
Final Thoughts
Making these Christmas Bars is more than just baking — it’s about creating warm memories and sharing joy with loved ones. The mix of chocolate, marshmallows and chewy texture makes them a sure hit for holiday gatherings, cozy nights, or gift trays. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let your kitchen fill with sweet holiday spirit. Enjoy every bite and spread the festive cheer! 🎄