Description

These delightful Christmas Bars are a festive treat combining a crunchy graham cracker base with rich cocoa, sweetened condensed milk for chewy texture, and a fun mix of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and optional nuts. Baked to perfection, these bars make a perfect holiday dessert that melts in your mouth and offers a variety of textures in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Dry Ingredients

2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted (or ¾ cup (150 g) melted coconut oil for dairy-free option)
1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk

Mix-ins

3 cups (150 g) mini marshmallows
1½ cups (270 g) chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate)
½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and the perfect texture.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and free of lumps.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, fully incorporated.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and optional chopped nuts, ensuring the marshmallows remain fluffy and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan using a spatula to smooth the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly firm.
Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bite-sized squares for easy serving and sharing.

Notes

Ensure butter is fully melted for a smooth mixture.
Use a non-stick spray or parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal.
Let bars cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Try adding dried fruits or shredded coconut for variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday dessert, graham cracker bars, chocolate marshmallow bars, festive treats, baked bars