Description

Deliciously rich and festive Christmas bars featuring a crunchy graham cracker base, infused with cocoa powder, sweetened condensed milk, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. These bars offer a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy textures, with optional nuts for added crunch. Ideal for holiday gatherings, they are easy to make and sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and chocolatey flavors.

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)
½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans recommended)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. This initial step is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked center and nicely set edges.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. This helps blend the flavors evenly and breaks up any lumps, creating a uniform base mixture.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk to the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, which binds the ingredients together.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and optional chopped nuts. Stir carefully to maintain the fluffiness of marshmallows and ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
Spread and Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and evenly spread the mixture using a spatula, smoothing the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm. The aroma will be rich and inviting.
Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into bite-sized squares for serving. Cooling fully ensures the bars hold their shape without crumbling.

Notes

Ensure butter is fully melted for smooth mixing.
Use non-stick spray or line the pan with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal.
Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Experiment with mix-ins like dried fruit or shredded coconut for variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness and chewiness.

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

Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday dessert, chocolate marshmallow bars, festive treat, graham cracker bars, no-bake bars alternative, easy Christmas recipe