Christmas Chocolate Marshmallow Bars Recipe
These festive Christmas bars combine a crunchy graham cracker base with rich cocoa, sweetened condensed milk, fluffy mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips for a chewy, chocolatey treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base and Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 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)
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and prevent gooey centers or dry edges.
- 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: Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk, stirring until the mixture is thick, sticky, and fully combined.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts (if using), being careful not to overmix to maintain marshmallow fluffiness.
- Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the mixture into a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and the center is slightly firm.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Melted coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free version.
- You can substitute regular marshmallows if mini ones are unavailable, but mini marshmallows distribute more evenly.
- Chopped nuts are optional—omit if nut allergies are a concern.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to retain their shape.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Christmas bars, holiday dessert, chocolate bars, marshmallow bars, graham cracker dessert, festive treats, chocolate marshmallow bars