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Christmas Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe

4.5 from 9 reviews

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There’s something so festive and comforting about a good bar cookie, and this Christmas Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe really hits all the sweet spots. With that irresistible layer of chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, and a buttery graham cracker crust, it’s a dessert that never fails to bring smiles around the kitchen table.

The image shows several thick square brownies with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a dark, rich chocolate cake base with a dense, moist texture. The middle layer is a creamy white topping that looks soft and smooth. The top layer is full of small, round candies in bright red, green, white, and brown colors, scattered all over, giving a shiny and colorful look. The brownies are placed close together on a white marbled surface with some crumbs around. One square in the middle is pushed slightly up and forward, showing the thick layers and the vibrant candy topping clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …
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Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe aren’t just easy to make—they pack a flavor punch that makes any holiday gathering extra special. I’ve made these bars for years, and the way the different chocolates melt perfectly while the oats and graham crust add just the right chewiness really makes this a standout treat.

  • All-in-One Dessert: Combines a crunchy crust, chewy oats, and layers of melty chocolate chips in every bite.
  • Simple to Make: No complicated steps—perfect for baking with kids or last-minute holiday treats.
  • Customizable Toppings: You can easily swap out or add to the chips and candies based on what you love.
  • Great for Sharing: Easy to portion for parties, gift boxes, or just because you want something sweet all week.
This image shows a rich dessert bar with three main layers: at the bottom is a thick, golden-brown crust that looks crunchy and firm. Above the crust is a dense, dark chocolate layer mixed with melted white bits, creating a marbled effect. The top layer is a festive mix of red, green, and white candy-coated chocolates and nuts, scattered thickly and unevenly over the chocolate, adding bright pops of color and texture. The background is a white marbled texture, and the photo focuses closely on the front edge of the bar, showing the melty, chunky surface in sharp detail while the rest of the bars blur into the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Christmas Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe starts with a crunchy graham cracker crust that holds all those melty, colorful toppings together. Each ingredient adds texture or sweetness, creating the perfect bite every time.

Flat lay of crushed golden graham crackers scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granular white sugar, melted golden butter pooled gently in a small white bowl, a small white bowl holding thick, glossy sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl of light beige quick oats, a small white bowl with glossy semi-sweet dark chocolate chips, a small white bowl containing smooth peanut butter chips in pale tan, a small white bowl filled with creamy white chocolate chips, and a small white bowl with brightly colored red, green, yellow, and blue holiday M&Ms, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Graham Crackers: Crushed finely to create a buttery, crisp base that contrasts the soft fillings.
  • Sugar: A touch of sweetness in the crust enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
  • Butter: Melted and mixed into the crust to give that rich, tender texture you want.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Acts as a sweet glue that makes everything stick together while adding creamy sweetness.
  • Quick Oats: Bring chewiness and a subtle nuttiness that balances the chocolaty sweetness.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Add the classic melting chocolate taste we all love in holiday treats.
  • Peanut Butter Chips: Give a lovely nutty richness and variety to the chocolate flavors.
  • White Chocolate Chips: For a little extra sweetness and pretty contrast in the mix.
  • Holiday M&Ms: The festive pop of color and crisp texture that make the bars feel special and fun.
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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love swapping out the mix-ins depending on the mood or what's in my pantry. You can absolutely make these bars your own by playing with the chocolates and candy. Trust me, every version tastes like a little piece of holiday magic.

  • Nut-Free Variation: I’ve made these without peanut butter chips for gatherings with nut allergies, and they still taste incredible—just use extra chocolate chips or add chopped dried cranberries for tartness.
  • Spiced Up: For a bit of warmth, sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the crust mixture before baking. I’ve done this a couple of times and it really lifts the flavors.
  • Loaded Bars: Feel free to mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans if you enjoy some crunch beyond the graham crust.
  • Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Double the chocolate chips if you want more gooey chocolate in every bite—because, why not?

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I always line my 9x13” pan with parchment paper so the bars come out effortlessly—it’s a game changer. Don’t forget to spray the pan lightly with nonstick spray before pressing in the crust.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Crush those graham crackers finely—if you don’t have a food processor, just pop them in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter, then press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan. Press all the way to the edges for an even base.

Step 3: Layer the Sweetened Condensed Milk + Oats

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust—it’s key for binding everything together. Then sprinkle your quick oats on top; they add so much texture and a little bite I adore.

Step 4: Sprinkle Toppings and Bake

Now the fun part! Evenly distribute the semi-sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, and holiday M&Ms across the top. Pop the whole pan into the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the melting chocolate looks luscious.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool at room temperature so they set properly before cutting. If you’re impatient like me, a quick chill in the fridge helps, but don’t skip the cooling step or the bars might be too gooey to cut neatly.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make these bars come out perfectly every time. Little things like how you press the crust and timing your bake make a world of difference—and I’m happy to share!

  • Even Crust Pressure: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust firmly and evenly. This helps avoid crumbly bars.
  • Watch Baking Time: Ovens vary—start watching at 20 minutes to avoid over-baking, since condensed milk caramelizes quickly.
  • Fresh Chocolate Chips: Choose good quality chips; they melt better and taste richer.
  • Cool Before Cutting: Let bars cool completely for cleaner slices and easier serving.
Christmas cookie bars - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep the bars as they come out of the oven—those colorful holiday M&Ms on top are enough of a garnish for me. Sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar for that extra festive touch. A drizzle of melted white chocolate is a quick upgrade if you want to impress guests.

Side Dishes

These cookie bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, peppermint hot chocolate, or even a creamy eggnog for full-on holiday vibes. If you’re serving a crowd, small bowls of nuts and fruit alongside make a lovely contrast to the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve cut these bars into bite-sized squares and arranged them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries—it looks stunning and invites guests to grab a little treat. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with ribbon also makes them perfect for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bars keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I like to store mine in layers separated by parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They stay moist and chewy without losing that chocolaty goodness.

Freezing

I freeze these bars regularly when I make a double batch. I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feeling.

Reheating

If you want to serve these warm, I pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes, just until the chocolate softens again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just be careful not to overheat or they’ll get too soft and sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with something else?

Absolutely! You can try using crushed digestive biscuits or even a simple shortbread crust, but the graham crackers add that signature holiday flavor I love in this recipe.

Why use sweetened condensed milk in this recipe?

Sweetened condensed milk serves as the binder and sweetener here. It creates that chewy, gooey texture that keeps all those chips and oats sticking together beautifully—without it, the bars might fall apart.

Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?

You can experiment with vegan substitutes like plant-based condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips, but keep in mind the texture and flavor might be slightly different. I recommend testing in small batches first.

How do I get clean cuts for serving?

Make sure to let the bars cool completely before slicing. Using a sharp knife that’s wiped between cuts also helps achieve neat squares without crumbling or sticking. Chilling the bars briefly before cutting is a handy trick too.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Christmas Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips Recipe is one I always come back to during the holiday season. It’s the kind of recipe you can make in a flash, share with loved ones, and feel proud of because it tastes so fantastic. I’m confident you’ll enjoy every chewy, chocolate-studded bite—so go ahead, bake up a batch and savor some cozy holiday sweetness.

Print
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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Claire
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 15 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Christmas Magic Cookie Bars are a festive and indulgent treat featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with sweetened condensed milk, quick oats, and a colorful mix of chocolate and peanut butter chips along with holiday M&Ms. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these bars are easy to prepare and bake into a delicious crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 12 graham crackers, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 9 tablespoons butter, melted

Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups sweetened condensed milk
  • ¾ cup quick oats
  • 1 ⅓ cups semi sweet chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup peanut butter chips
  • ⅓ cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup holiday M&Ms

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick spray and pressing a piece of parchment paper into the pan.
  2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9x13 pan to form the crust layer.
  3. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust, spreading it out fully to the edges of the pan.
  4. Top with Mix-ins: Sprinkle the quick oats, semi sweet chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, and holiday M&Ms evenly over the sweetened condensed milk layer.
  5. Bake the Bars: Place the pan into the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the edges are golden and the topping is set.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature or serve warm as desired. Cut into 15 bars before serving.

Notes

  • Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan for a sturdy base.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  • The white chocolate chips can be adjusted to ¼ cup if a lighter chocolate flavor is preferred.
  • Serve bars warm for gooey texture or at room temperature for firmer slices.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Substitute peanut butter chips with butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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