Christmas Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that has become a holiday staple in many homes. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust layered with coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and colorful holiday M&M’s. Perfect for parties or cozy gatherings, this quick and easy recipe will bring joy to your festive celebrations. If you’re looking for a way to brighten your holiday dessert table, these bars are just what you need!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Bars
These Christmas Cookie Bars are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring only 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the combination of coconut flakes, chocolate chips, and M&M’s creates a delightful texture and flavor explosion. Third, they are versatile enough to complement any holiday spread, making them one of the best holiday cookie bar recipes. Fourth, the bars are soft and chewy, ensuring a satisfying dessert experience. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, making them accessible to a wider audience. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, these bars are a festive delight!
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Bars
Gather these items:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup holiday M&M’s
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and salt. Mix thoroughly and press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the coconut flakes evenly over the crust. Scatter half of the chocolate chips on top. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the holiday M&M’s evenly on top, followed by the remaining chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the bars are set.
- Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 squares.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Cookie Bars
Keep these in mind:
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- These bars can be frozen for longer storage.
- Allowing the bars to cool before slicing is crucial for them to hold together well.
- For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Cookie Bars
These bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can also cut them into smaller squares for a perfect holiday treat to share at parties. They make delightful gifts when wrapped in festive packaging, and kids love them as after-school snacks!
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Cookie Bars
Once made, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Store them in an airtight container for up to one week, making them a fantastic option for meal prep during the holiday season. If you need to reheat them, pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and enjoy the gooey goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cookie Bars
What are Christmas Cookie Bars?
Christmas Cookie Bars are a festive dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with layers of coconut, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk, making them a delicious and easy treat during the holiday season.
Can I make Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Christmas Cookie Bars ahead of time! In fact, they can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container for a convenient and tasty dessert ready for your holiday gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Cookie Bars?
To avoid common mistakes, be sure to press the crust firmly into the baking dish to prevent it from crumbling. Also, let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and a better texture.
Variations of Christmas Cookie Bars You Can Try
There are numerous ways to customize your Christmas Cookie Bars! You can add crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist, use butterscotch chips instead of chocolate for a different flavor, or incorporate seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the holiday theme. These variations will elevate your festive cookie squares to new heights!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Healthy Sloppy Joes or try making Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups for a tasty snack. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, our Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup is a great option!
For more information on the benefits of coconut in desserts, visit this Healthline article discussing its nutritional benefits.
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Delicious Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe to Make Today
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas magic cookie bars are a festive and delicious treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, layered with coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and colorful holiday M&M’s.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- 14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup holiday M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and salt. Mix thoroughly and press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the coconut flakes evenly over the crust. Scatter half of the chocolate chips on top. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
- Sprinkle the holiday M&M’s evenly on top, followed by the remaining chocolate chips.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the bars are set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- These bars can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 190 calories
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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