There’s something instantly nostalgic (and a little bit dangerous) about sinking your teeth into a chewy Christmas bar — all buttery sweetness, colorful chips, and that soft, almost gooey center that makes you want just one more square. This easy holiday dessert idea brings together simple pantry staples — graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, festive baking chips — into a family-friendly treat perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or midnight snacking. Ready for a warm, cozy, and utterly delicious recipe? Let’s bake.
What Makes These Chewy Christmas Bars So Irresistible
Why Chewy Christmas Bars Are a Holiday Favorite
A one-pan, no-fuss dessert
These bars come together quickly in a single baking pan; no chilling dough, no complicated piping — just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Festive, colorful, and shareable
With holiday baking chips on top and in the batter, they look merry and bright — perfect for sharing at family gatherings or cookie swaps.
Soft, chewy texture that wins hearts
The secret is in the balance: crumbly base mixed with sweetened condensed milk gives a chewy, rich texture that keeps everyone coming back.
Ingredients & Substitutions for Your Chewy Christmas Bars Recipe
Easy-to-Get Ingredients in the USA
This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores in the U.S., so you don’t need any specialty items to make these festive bars:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (200 g)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (180 g)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (170 g)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397 g)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows (150 g)
- 1½ cups chocolate chips (270 g)
- ½ cup chopped nuts, optional (60 g)
Smart Substitutions & Variations
- If you prefer, coconut sugar can replace powdered sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Use white chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, or peanut butter chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a festive twist.
- If you’re nut-free, simply skip the nuts or replace with seeds, like sunflower seeds, for crunch.
- Mini marshmallows can be swapped with regular marshmallows cut into small pieces.
These substitutions make it easy to adapt the recipe to your taste or dietary needs while keeping the chewy, gooey texture intact.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chewy Christmas Bars
How to Make the Bars (Beginner-Friendly)
Preheat & Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Stir thoroughly to ensure even mixing.
Add Butter & Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, then stir until the mixture becomes thick, sticky, and well combined.
Fold in Mix-Ins:
Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Spread & Bake:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing and smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm but still soft.
Cool & Slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial to ensure clean, neat slices. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Tips for Texture, Storage & Serving
Adjusting Chewiness
The secret to perfect chewy Christmas bars is baking just right. If you prefer a soft, gooey center, avoid overbaking — the edges should be set, but the middle slightly soft. For a firmer bar that holds together perfectly for gift boxes or dessert trays, bake a few extra minutes. Remember, bars continue to set as they cool, so don’t overcook in the oven. You can also experiment with using a mix of graham cracker crumbs and a small amount of oats to give extra chewiness without changing the flavor.
Cooling Matters
Cooling is key for both texture and appearance. Let your bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. Frosting too early will melt, and bars may break when cutting. For faster cooling, you can place the pan in a cool area of your kitchen, but avoid the fridge initially — rapid cooling can sometimes make the bars dry or hard. A fully cooled bar ensures clean slices and perfect chewiness in every bite.
Layering and Frosting Tips
When spreading frosting on cooled bars, use a spatula for an even layer. For a smoother look, slightly warm your frosting or gently whip it before spreading. Sprinkle the remaining baking chips, nuts, or candy pieces immediately after frosting so they stick nicely. For a fancy presentation, lightly dust powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the top. These little touches make your bars look as festive as they taste.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store your chewy Christmas bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days — perfect for holiday parties or last-minute treats. For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer and thaw beautifully at room temperature before serving. This method is excellent for making large batches ahead of time for gift-giving or gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Chewy Christmas bars are versatile for many holiday occasions. Pair them with hot cocoa, apple cider, or even spiced herbal teas for a cozy treat. Serve them on a festive dessert tray with other cookies and bars, or wrap small squares in decorative bags for gifting. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for parties or cookie exchanges. For an extra touch, place bars on a colorful platter and sprinkle with holiday-colored sugar or edible glitter for a festive look that’s sure to impress.
Tips for Gifting
If you plan to give these bars as gifts, consider layering them between sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Tie them up in a festive tin or box, and add a small note or tag with your favorite holiday greeting. Chewy Christmas bars make thoughtful, homemade gifts that are easy to prepare in advance and always well-received.
Mix-Ins and Customization
Feel free to personalize your bars with add-ins like chopped nuts, candy cane pieces, or festive sprinkles. A small handful of each can make the bars feel extra special without changing the base recipe. This is also a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen — let them sprinkle toppings for a colorful, cheerful final touch.
Variations on the Chewy Christmas Bars Theme
Blondie-style Christmas Bars
Take your chewy bars to the next level with a buttery blondie base. Combine butter, brown sugar, eggs, and flour, then fold in red and green M&Ms or white chocolate chips. Bake until golden, and top with a simple vanilla frosting or drizzle of melted white chocolate. This version keeps the chewy, festive appeal but adds a richer, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with holiday drinks like hot cocoa or apple cider.
Seven-layer Christmas Bars
Want more texture and layers of flavor? Layer your graham cracker base with sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and colorful sprinkles. Each bite delivers a combination of chewy, crunchy, and sweet textures. You can even sprinkle chopped nuts or mini candy pieces in the layers to make it extra festive. These bars are great for holiday gatherings where you want a show-stopping dessert that’s still easy to slice and share.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Add a touch of spice to your holiday dessert tray by swapping the base for a gingerbread cookie dough. The warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give a cozy, festive twist. Frost with cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze, and top with sprinkles or crushed candy canes. These bars are perfect for those who love classic holiday flavors but still want the soft, chewy texture of a bar cookie.
Chewy Monster Cookie Bars
For a playful twist, try monster-style Christmas bars. Add oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and red and green M&Ms to your base mixture. This variation is perfect for kids or anyone who enjoys a heartier, chewier treat. The combination of textures — soft, chewy, and slightly crunchy — makes these bars irresistible, and they’re perfect for lunchboxes, holiday parties, or gifting in festive tins.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Christmas Bars
For peanut butter lovers, fold creamy or chunky peanut butter into your graham cracker base before baking. Sprinkle with chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top after frosting. This variation adds a nutty, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the chewy texture and makes the bars even more indulgent.
White Chocolate Cranberry Christmas Bars
For a bright, slightly tart variation, add dried cranberries and white chocolate chips to your base. The cranberries provide a pop of flavor and color, complementing the sweet, chewy bars beautifully. This version looks especially pretty on a holiday dessert platter, adding festive red and white contrast that makes it hard to resist.
Caramel Swirl Christmas Bars
Add a layer of indulgence by swirling caramel sauce into your bar mixture before baking. As it bakes, the caramel melts into pockets of chewy sweetness, creating a more decadent bar. Top with chocolate chips or a light frosting drizzle to enhance the look and flavor. These bars are perfect if you want something a little fancier but still very easy to make.
Mint Chocolate Christmas Bars
For a refreshing, holiday-inspired variation, mix in peppermint extract with your base or frosting, and top with crushed peppermint candies along with chocolate chips. The combination of mint and chocolate is a holiday classic, and it gives your chewy bars a festive, cool twist. Great for gifting or serving at Christmas parties for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Why These Bars Work for Holiday Baking & Gifting
Ideal for cookie exchanges
These bars bake in one pan and cut easily, making them perfect for cookie swaps.
Great for holiday entertaining
Kids and adults alike love them, and the colorful chips make them visually festive — a simple yet elegant addition to any dessert table.
Budget-friendly baking
Using pantry staples like graham cracker crumbs and condensed milk keeps costs low, allowing you to make a large batch without breaking the holiday budget.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of holiday baking chips?
Yes, semi-sweet or white chocolate chips, or even M&Ms in any color, work perfectly.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars after baking?
No, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If the frosting is whipped, chill slightly before serving if your room is warm.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, the base recipe doesn’t require nuts. Just skip adding nuts and use nut-free mix-ins.
What if I don’t have a 9-inch square pan?
You can use an 8×8-inch pan, but bars will be thicker and may need slightly more baking time. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, once cooled and frosted, wrap individual bars and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
These chewy Christmas bars bring together the best of holiday baking: festive looks, familiar flavors, soft textures, and no-fuss preparation. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a family gathering, or a quiet night by the fireplace, these bars deliver cozy, nostalgic joy in every bite. Give them a try — they might just become your new holiday favorite.
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Chewy Christmas Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Sweet, chewy holiday dessert bars made with graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, and festive holiday baking chips. Easy to make, perfect for sharing, and ideal for cookie exchanges or holiday parties.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (200 g)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (25 g)
1½ cups powdered sugar (180 g)
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (170 g)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz / 397 g)
3 cups mini marshmallows (150 g)
1½ cups chocolate chips (270 g)
½ cup chopped nuts, optional (60 g)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined.
Pour in melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until the mixture is thick and sticky.
Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and nuts, if using.
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly firm.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then cut into squares for serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 20 bars