“Just five simple ingredients come together to create these adorable and festive Christmas Bars!”
These Christmas Bars are the perfect blend of sweetness and nostalgia, evoking warm holiday memories with every bite. I remember making these with my family every Christmas, eagerly gathering around the kitchen as the delightful aroma filled the air. This treat combines rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and tangy dried cranberries, making every piece an irresistible bite!
Table of Contents
Why Are Christmas Bars a Must-Try Holiday Treat?
Christmas Bars offer a quick and delightful way to celebrate the festive season.
The holiday season is all about sharing joy, and what better way to do that than through delicious treats? These Christmas Bars are not just easy to prepare; they are also bursting with flavors that capture the spirit of the holidays. The blend of chocolate chips, cookie dough, marshmallows, and cranberries makes this dessert a festive favorite that everyone will love. Not only do they taste fantastic, but the simple preparation means you can whip them up in no time, allowing you to focus on what matters most, making memories with family and friends. If you love festive sweets, also check out these delightful ooey-gooey butter cookies! or explore our complete guide to Christmas brownie and bar recipes, packed with rich brownies, festive bars, and easy seasonal treats.
What Makes This Version of Christmas Bars Unique?
This version of Christmas Bars stands out due to its delightful combination of ingredients and texture.
Rich Flavor Profile
These Christmas Bars offer a unique flavor profile by combining the sweetness from the cookie dough with the rich chocolate chips. The addition of tangy dried cranberries not only adds a pop of color but also a tart flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness of the chocolate. The marshmallows provide a soft, chewy texture, making every bite pleasantly surprising.
Simple Preparation
What truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. With only five ingredients, even a novice baker can create a festive treat that looks and tastes impressive. It’s the perfect recipe for families looking to bond in the kitchen when holiday preparations can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Perfect for Sharing
These bars cut beautifully into squares, making them ideal for sharing at holiday parties or potlucks. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or bringing treats to a friend’s house, these Christmas Bars are sure to be a hit. For more holiday inspiration, check out this festive Christmas appetizer.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Christmas Bars?
These delicious Christmas Bars require just five simple ingredients.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Cookie dough | 1 cup |
| Marshmallows | 1/2 cup |
| Dried cranberries | 1/2 cup |
Each of these ingredients plays a critical role in creating the delicious flavors we love. The chocolate chips not only provide a rich taste but also a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the soft marshmallows. Dried cranberries add a fun twist, bringing a tartness that elevates the sweetness from the cookie dough for a balanced flavor experience. These components ensure a delightful munching experience, making them addictively scrumptious.
How Do You Make Christmas Bars Step-by-Step?
Making Christmas Bars is as easy as mixing, spreading, and baking!
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A proper preheat is essential to ensure these bars bake evenly.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie dough and chocolate chips until well mixed. Make sure to break apart any clumps of cookie dough for an even distribution.
Step 3
Fold in the marshmallows and dried cranberries, being gentle so you don’t squish the marshmallows. This is the stage where all the magic happens, just looking at the colorful mix is enough to get anyone excited!
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Nutritional Value per Bar | Approx. 150 calories |
After mixing, spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan. It’s important to use a greased pan for easy removal later on. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen during baking is incomparable! Once ready, let cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy with family and friends! For more easy sweet treats, try my no-bake Snickers bars.
What Are Some Fun Variations for Christmas Bars?
You can easily customize these Christmas Bars to suit your taste!
Diet Swap
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free cookie dough. It’s widely available and won’t sacrifice flavor or texture! There are also dairy-free chocolate chips available for those with dietary restrictions.
Flavor Variation
Experimenting with different mix-ins can create a new flavor experience every time. Try adding nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch or substitute the dried cranberries with dried cherries or even chocolate-covered raisins for a decadent twist.
Serving Idea
These Christmas Bars are perfect for a festive dessert table. Serve them alongside hot cocoa or eggnog during holiday gatherings for a complete festive treat experience. You can even place them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts!
| Suggested Pairings |
|---|
| Hot Chocolate |
| Eggnog |
| Vanilla Ice Cream |
Final Thoughts on Making the Best Christmas Bars
In conclusion, these Christmas Bars are an easy, delightful dessert that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, they are perfect for bringing people together. I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh! Whether eaten as a late-night snack after a holiday party or shared with loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to bring joy. Looking for more festive treats? Explore my collection of the 10 best Christmas desserts to bake this season. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest! Feel free to check out my page for more recipes!
FAQ
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade cookie dough will work just fine. Just ensure that the texture is similar to store-bought cookie dough for the best results.
How should I store leftover Christmas Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you may refrigerate them.
Can I freeze these Christmas Bars?
Yes! These bars freeze well. Cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then seal them in a freezer bag for up to three months.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries?
If you’d like, you could substitute dried cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or even mini marshmallows for an extra fluffy texture.
Are these Christmas Bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it does not contain any meat or animal-derived products.
Christmas Bars
These Christmas Bars are a delightful blend of chocolate chips, cookie dough, marshmallows, and dried cranberries, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup cookie dough
- 1/2 cup marshmallows
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie dough and chocolate chips until well mixed.
- Fold in the marshmallows and dried cranberries gently.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
- Enjoy with family and friends!
Notes
For gluten-free options, use gluten-free cookie dough. These bars can also be customized with nuts or different dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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