If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the magic of the holidays, the S’mores Christmas Magic Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dessert combines the nostalgic flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and toffee with a delightful holiday twist thanks to optional crushed peppermint candies. Imagine biting into a perfectly chewy, gooey bar that lights up your taste buds with every layer—that’s exactly what these bars deliver. They’re easy to make, wonderfully festive, and perfect for sharing at any seasonal gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by long ingredient lists; this recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and a few seasonal extras. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that irresistible texture and rich flavor that defines this holiday favorite.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust together with a rich, buttery base that’s anything but boring.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the crisp, slightly sweet crust that’s essential to any s’mores-inspired dessert.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This adds moistness and sweetness, helping everything stick together beautifully.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic chocolate goodness that melts perfectly, adding that signature s’mores flavor.
- Toffee bits: Crunchy bursts of caramelized sweetness that bring depth and surprise to each bite.
- Mini marshmallows: The hallmark of s’mores, these fluffy little gems puff up and toast to golden perfection in the oven.
- Crushed peppermint candies (optional): A festive flair that gives a refreshing peppermint pop, making these bars truly Christmas-worthy.
How to Make S’mores Christmas Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure you leave enough overhang to lift the bars out easily later. This simple setup is the foundation for a mess-free baking experience and perfect square bars every time.
Step 2: Create the Crust
Mix the melted butter with graham cracker crumbs until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This step builds the crust’s sturdy yet crumbly base that holds all the layers together when baked.
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. This binds the crust to the toppings while adding a creamy sweetness that keeps your bars moist and incredibly chewy.
Step 4: Layer on the Chocolate and Toffee
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the condensed milk first, then follow with a layer of toffee bits. The chocolate melts into gooey pockets, while the toffee adds a wonderful contrast with its crispy texture and buttery flavor.
Step 5: Top with Mini Marshmallows
Finally, cover the surface evenly with mini marshmallows. These will puff up into golden little clouds of toasted softness, bringing the classic s’mores experience right to your baking pan.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the marshmallows turn a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble enticingly. This baking time ensures everything is melted, melded, and perfectly caramelized without burning.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. This cooling step helps the bars set so they hold their shape when served.
How to Serve S’mores Christmas Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your S’mores Christmas Magic Cookie Bars Recipe, sprinkle a little extra crushed peppermint on top after baking for added crunch and festive color. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that movie-magic finish.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a frothy peppermint mocha to keep the Christmas spirit strong. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds cool creaminess, turning each bite into a holiday indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pine sprigs and red berries for a charming holiday display. You could also wrap individual squares in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon for delightful homemade gifts that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days—perfect for midweek holiday snacking or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, retaining their texture and flavor when thawed.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds or heat gently in a low oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back that melty, gooey texture that makes these bars so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
You certainly can, but mini marshmallows toast more evenly and melt faster. If using regular marshmallows, consider chopping them into smaller pieces for better coverage and melting.
What can I substitute for toffee bits?
If toffee bits are hard to find, chopped caramel candies or even crushed butterscotch chips work well for that sweet, crunchy surprise.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free alternative or use crushed gluten-free cookies to maintain that crisp crust.
Do the peppermint candies alter the bar’s texture?
The crushed peppermint candies add a subtle crunch and a refreshing bite, complementing the gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate without overwhelming the texture.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan, increasing the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the marshmallows to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the S’mores Christmas Magic Cookie Bars Recipe that makes holiday baking feel extra joyful. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgic flavors and festive flair, wrapped up in a simple, approachable recipe that anyone can master. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become a beloved tradition in your holiday dessert lineup. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen!
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S’mores Christmas Magic Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
S’mores Christmas Magic Cookie Bars offer a festive twist on a classic treat, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with sweetened condensed milk, rich chocolate chips, crunchy toffee bits, and fluffy mini marshmallows. Finished with a golden bake and optional peppermint candy topping, these bars are perfect for holiday celebrations and sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
Filling and Topping
- 1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (85 g) toffee bits
- 2 cups (100 g) mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup (40 g) crushed peppermint candies (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming an even crust layer.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust to create a rich, gooey base.
- Layer Chocolate and Toffee: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips uniformly over the condensed milk layer, followed by an even layer of toffee bits to add crunch and flavor.
- Add Mini Marshmallows: Cover the top completely with mini marshmallows, ensuring the entire surface is evenly covered to achieve that classic s’mores look and texture.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the marshmallows turn golden brown and the edges are bubbly, indicating that the bars are set and ready.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and slice into 16 squares for serving. If desired, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top before or after baking for a festive touch.
Notes
- For firmer bars, chill in the refrigerator after cooling to help them set before slicing.
- Substitute toffee bits with chopped nuts if preferred for added texture.
- Crushed peppermint candies add a festive touch but can be omitted if serving year-round.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts; warming the knife slightly can help slice through the marshmallow topping more easily.
