Introduction
Christmas cookie bars are a time-honored treat that brings comfort, joy, and a little sparkle to any holiday celebration. These chewy, gooey, colorful desserts are a staple at my family gatherings, and for good reason—they’re easy to make, visually festive, and full of flavor. In this article, I’ll guide you through my personal story with this recipe, show you how to make them from scratch, share fun variations, and answer the most common questions people ask. If you’ve been searching for that one recipe to make your dessert tray stand out this year, Christmas cookie bars might be it.
Table of Contents
Christmas Cookie Bars
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- spatula or spoon
- Measuring Cups
- parchment paper (optional)
- Knife For slicing after cooling
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form a crust.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and chopped pecans evenly over the crust in layers.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire surface to bind the layers together.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbling. The edges should look slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars.
Notes
Nutrition
My Family’s Love for Christmas Cookie Bars
A Memory That Started It All
The first time I made Christmas cookie bars, I was barely tall enough to reach the kitchen counter. My mom had pulled out the holiday tins, filled with baking chips, shredded coconut, and graham crackers. I remember sitting on a stool in my pajamas, carefully sprinkling each ingredient into the pan while Christmas music played in the background. There was something magical about that moment—the warmth of the oven, the sweetness of the smells, and the shared laughter that filled the room.
Over time, this recipe became more than just a dessert. It became a tradition. Every December, without fail, we’d make them together. Even now, years later, I continue the tradition with my own family. It’s our way of kicking off the holiday season.
Why These Bars Are Everyone’s Favorite
There are hundreds of holiday cookie recipes out there, but Christmas cookie bars consistently top the list in popularity—and it’s easy to see why. These bars are chewy, soft, and layered with rich flavors. They combine the comforting sweetness of chocolate chips and butterscotch with the nutty crunch of pecans and the creamy richness of condensed milk. Add a graham cracker crust and a sprinkle of shredded coconut, and you’ve got a dessert that’s indulgent yet balanced.
What makes them truly shine is how simple they are to prepare. No electric mixer. No complicated steps. Just layer, bake, and cool. It’s the kind of recipe that welcomes kids into the kitchen, encourages creativity, and delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
You can even customize them to fit any theme—add red and green candy-coated chocolates for a festive look, drizzle with white chocolate, or cut into star shapes for fun. The possibilities are endless, and the flavor is always incredible.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Bars the Easy Way
The Foolproof Method for Perfect Bars
If you’ve never made Christmas cookie bars before, don’t worry—they’re practically impossible to mess up. All you need are a few pantry staples and a little patience while they cool.
Here’s a simple walkthrough:
Start by crushing graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter. This becomes the crust, which you press firmly into the bottom of a baking dish. From there, you begin building the layers. Sprinkle on a generous layer of semi-sweet chocolate chips, followed by butterscotch chips. Add sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans (if using). Finally, pour a full can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire surface. This step is important—it binds everything together during baking.
Pop the dish into the oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be golden and bubbling, and the edges slightly crisp. Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely before slicing. This allows them to firm up and makes cutting much easier.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and chewy for several days.
Ingredient Variations and Tips
The classic Christmas cookie bars recipe is fantastic as-is, but you can easily change it up to suit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Want something with a fruity twist? Add dried cranberries or chopped cherries to the mix. Prefer your desserts less sweet? Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
You can also skip the coconut if it’s not your thing—just replace it with more chips, chopped pretzels, or crushed candy canes for a crunchy, peppermint-flavored finish. If you want to make the bars nut-free, simply omit the pecans. The recipe is incredibly forgiving.
For a softer texture, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool at room temperature. For firmer bars, bake a few minutes longer or store them in the fridge before serving.
Keeping Your Cookie Bars Fresh and Delicious
Storage Tips That Really Work
One of the reasons Christmas cookie bars are ideal for holiday gatherings is their long shelf life. When stored properly, they stay moist and chewy for up to a week. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. Layering parchment paper between the bars helps prevent sticking.
If you live in a warmer climate or prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator. The bars will keep for about 10 days this way, and the flavors often deepen as they sit.
If you need to transport the bars to a party or holiday exchange, place them in a sturdy tin or box lined with wax paper. This protects the layers from breaking and keeps them looking beautiful.
Can You Freeze Christmas Cookie Bars?
Absolutely. In fact, Christmas cookie bars are one of the best desserts to freeze ahead of time. They freeze beautifully and retain their flavor and texture when thawed.
To freeze, cut the cooled bars into squares and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer until the bars are firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
When ready to serve, remove as many bars as you need and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour. No need to reheat—just serve and enjoy.
Freezing also gives you the flexibility to make these well in advance of your holiday events, which is a lifesaver when things get hectic in December.
Creative Twists on Classic Christmas Cookie Bars
Make It a Dessert for Every Occasion
While these bars are a holiday classic, they’re also perfect year-round. You can adapt the base recipe to match any celebration. For Valentine’s Day, try using pink and red candies. For Halloween, toss in orange sprinkles or candy corn. They even make a great treat for birthdays or school events.
To give the bars a more gourmet touch, drizzle with salted caramel, sprinkle with sea salt before baking, or add a layer of peanut butter between the crust and chips. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a cheesecake swirl or substitute the crust with crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers.
These creative twists not only make the bars more exciting but also allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste or dietary needs.
A Perfect Edible Gift
One of my favorite ways to spread holiday cheer is by gifting Christmas cookie bars. Pack them in small boxes or tins, wrap with ribbon, and include a handwritten note. It’s a thoughtful, homemade gift that anyone would appreciate. Teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends—everyone loves receiving something baked with love.
Because the bars travel well and don’t crumble easily, they’re also great for mailing. Just be sure to use plenty of padding in your packaging, and choose cooler days for shipping if your climate runs warm.
Homemade gifts are often the most cherished, and these bars are no exception. They’re beautiful, delicious, and a little piece of your holiday kitchen that you can share with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Christmas cookie bars made of?
Christmas cookie bars typically include a base of graham cracker crumbs and butter, topped with layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and sweetened condensed milk. These ingredients bake together to form a chewy, layered dessert.
How long do Christmas cookie bars last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Christmas cookie bars can last up to a week. If kept in the refrigerator, they may stay fresh for up to 10 days. Always allow them to cool completely before storing.
Can you freeze Christmas cookie bars?
Yes, these bars freeze very well. Cut into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do you keep cookie bars soft?
To keep Christmas cookie bars soft, store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread or a slice of apple. This adds a bit of moisture to the container and prevents the bars from drying out. Avoid overbaking them to maintain that chewy texture.
Conclusion: A Tradition Worth Keeping
Christmas cookie bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a memory, a tradition, and a symbol of the joy that comes from baking something with love. Whether you make them exactly as written or add your own twist, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite in your home too.
They’re easy, versatile, and endlessly satisfying. Bake a batch for your holiday gathering, freeze a tray for later, or wrap them up as edible gifts for the people you care about. However you choose to share them, one thing is certain: Christmas cookie bars will bring smiles, one square at a time.
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