The holiday season is a whirlwind of joy, family, and, of course, delicious treats! But let's be honest, sometimes oven space is precious, and time is short. That's where these incredible Christmas No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars swoop in to save the day (and your sanity!).
Imagine all the nostalgic flavor of a classic sugar cookie, transformed into an incredibly easy, no-fuss bar that requires zero baking. These festive beauties are packed with a buttery graham cracker crust, a sweet condensed milk base, creamy white chocolate, and a generous shower of cheerful Christmas sprinkles. They are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert platter, a fantastic edible gift, or simply a quick treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa.
Why You'll Love These Christmas No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars
- No Oven Required: Free up your oven for other holiday baking projects! These bars come together quickly on the stovetop and chill in the fridge.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal steps and simple ingredients, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
- Festive & Fun: The vibrant Christmas sprinkles instantly make these bars a holiday showstopper.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet, chewy, and irresistibly good, they're always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Make Ahead Friendly: They taste even better after a day in the fridge, making holiday prep a breeze.
Ingredients You'll Need
You'll only need a handful of common pantry staples to create these magical bars. We're talking graham cracker crumbs for the base, sweetened condensed milk for that perfect chewy texture, melted butter, a touch of vanilla, creamy white chocolate chips, fluffy mini marshmallows, and, of course, plenty of festive sprinkles! The optional chopped pecans add a lovely crunch if you're a nut fan.
How to Make No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars
The process is incredibly straightforward. You'll start by combining the crust ingredients, pressing them into a pan. Then, you'll melt the white chocolate and mix it with the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Fold in the marshmallows and sprinkles, spread it over the crust, and chill! That's it – pure holiday magic without the heat.
Tips for the Perfect No-Bake Bars
- Line Your Pan: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the chilled bars out incredibly easy.
- Press Firmly: When creating the graham cracker crust, press it down firmly and evenly using the bottom of a glass or your knuckles. This ensures a stable base.
- Don't Overmix Sprinkles: Add the sprinkles at the very end and fold them in gently to prevent their colors from bleeding too much into the white chocolate mixture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key! Make sure the bars are thoroughly chilled (at least 2-3 hours, or until firm) before cutting. This will give you clean, neat slices.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your no-bake bars! You could swap white chocolate for milk or semi-sweet chocolate, though white chocolate really gives them that classic sugar cookie appearance. For a different flavor profile, try adding a tiny pinch of almond extract along with the vanilla. If you're not a fan of pecans, you can omit them entirely or substitute with walnuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut. For more on the history and types of sugar cookies, you can read about them here.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These bars are best served chilled. Once firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares or rectangles. A warm knife can help achieve cleaner cuts. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to two months!
These Christmas No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars are a testament to the fact that you don't need a lot of fuss to create something truly delicious and festive during the holidays. They're simple, sweet, and sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking) and happy holidays!
FAQs
Can I make these Christmas No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What kind of sprinkles are best for these bars?
For a truly festive look, use a mix of red, green, and white sprinkles. Nonpareils, jimmies, or even small edible glitter can add a wonderful holiday touch. Choose sprinkles that won't bleed color when mixed with the ingredients.
How should I store leftover No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They are also freezer-friendly for up to 2-3 months.
Can I customize the toppings for these sugar cookie bars?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Besides sprinkles, you could add crushed peppermint candy, a drizzle of colored icing, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a 'snowy' effect. Just ensure toppings are added before chilling for best adhesion.
Christmas No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and festive no-bake treat, these sugar cookie bars feature a graham cracker crust, sweet condensed milk, white chocolate, and colorful Christmas sprinkles.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/4 cup festive sprinkles (red, green, and white)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted unsalted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt in a double boiler. Once melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Gently fold the mini marshmallows and festive sprinkles into the white chocolate mixture. Spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in the prepared pan.
Step 5: If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the bars. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan and cut into 16 squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, ensure the bars are thoroughly chilled before cutting. A warm, sharp knife can help create cleaner slices. These bars are excellent for holiday gift-giving!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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