If you’re looking to wow your holiday guests with something that combines chewy, chocolatey, and marshmallowy goodness, then this Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. Imagine buttery, cocoa-infused layers dotted with fluffy marshmallows and chocolate chips that melt in your mouth, all coming together in one glorious bar perfect for sharing by the fireplace. This is the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with festive aromas and brings everyone together, eager for that first delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe. Each component plays a key role—from the sweet crunch of graham cracker crumbs to the ooey-gooey marshmallows that add that signature chewiness.
- 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs: These provide a sweet, crunchy base. You can crush whole graham crackers if you prefer.
- ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds a rich chocolate flavor. Opt for high-quality cocoa for the best taste.
- 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar: This sweetens the bars and gives them a smooth texture. It’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter binds everything together and adds richness. You can substitute with ¾ cup (150 g) melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk: This creamy ingredient adds moisture and sweetness. It’s the secret to achieving that chewy texture.
- 3 cups (150 g) mini marshmallows: These fluffy treats bring a fun, chewy element. You can use regular marshmallows, but mini ones distribute better.
- 1½ cups (270 g) chocolate chips: They add extra chocolatey goodness. Feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips!
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch. If you have nut allergies, simply leave them out.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your bars bake evenly. If you skip this step, you might end up with gooey centers or overly dry edges. Trust me, a little patience here goes a long way!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Use a whisk or a fork to mix them well. This step is important because it helps to break up any lumps and ensures that the flavors blend beautifully. The aroma of cocoa will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky, but that’s exactly what you want! This gooey goodness is what makes these Christmas bars so delightful. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there if you need to!
Step 4: Fold in Mix-ins
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and any chopped nuts you’re using. Be careful not to overmix; you want those marshmallows to stay fluffy. Each bite should be a surprise of textures and flavors, so make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure it’s level. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set and the center is slightly firm. The smell will be heavenly, and your family will start to gather around!
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting! Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces, perfect for sharing. These Christmas bars are now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little sprinkle of powdered sugar or some festive red and green sprinkles on top can take these bars from delicious to downright irresistible. For a special holiday touch, drizzle melted white chocolate across the bars to mimic delicate snow patterns, creating a stunning visual effect that tastes as amazing as it looks.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or classic eggnog. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes for an indulgent dessert that guests will rave about. For lighter options, fresh fruit like cranberries or sliced oranges balance out the richness and add a refreshing twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a festive platter surrounded by holly leaves or place each square in colorful cupcake liners for easy serving. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a holiday ribbon also makes them perfect edible gifts. No matter how you present them, these Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe treats will bring joy to any holiday gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature and they will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out and reduce that delightful gooey texture you’re aiming for.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature—easy and convenient for holiday meal prep.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that soft, melty texture and enhances the chocolate flavor, making each bite feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The bars will still maintain their rich, chewy texture and delicious flavor with these swaps.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
Digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers crushed into fine crumbs can be a great alternative. They will still provide that crunchy base but with a slightly different flavor profile, which can be a fun twist on the classic recipe.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from melting completely?
Gently folding the marshmallows into the batter at the last moment and avoiding overmixing helps keep them fluffy. Also, baking the bars just until firm prevents them from overcooking and losing their delightful chewiness.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with dried fruits, shredded coconut, or even crushed candy canes. These additions personalize your bars and add exciting flavors and textures to this Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe.
How thick should I spread the batter in the pan?
A thickness of about 1 to 1½ inches works best. This ensures the bars bake evenly while staying moist and chewy in the center. If spread too thin, they might dry out too quickly; too thick, and the center may not cook through.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a festive experience that brings warmth and smiles around the holiday table. Every bite bursts with chocolatey comfort and nostalgic marshmallow sweetness, making them the perfect treat to bake, share, and enjoy all season long. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and make these bars your new holiday tradition!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously rich and chewy Christmas bars featuring a chocolate-graham cracker base mixed with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and optional nuts. These festive treats are easy to make, baked to perfection, and perfect for holiday sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted (or ¾ cup (150 g) melted coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
Mix-ins
- 3 cups (150 g) mini marshmallows
- 1½ cups (270 g) chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate)
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is thick and sticky.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, taking care to keep marshmallows fluffy.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the mixture in a greased baking pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly firm.
- Cool and Cut: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting into bite-sized squares to maintain structure and texture.
Notes
- Ensure butter is fully melted for smooth mixing.
- Use non-stick spray or parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal.
- Cool bars fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Try adding dried fruit or shredded coconut for variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
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