Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Magic Cookie Bars are not just a treat; they are an experience that brings everyone together. With layers of flavor and textures, these bars are a festive delight that you can enjoy throughout the holiday season.
These bars combine the rich taste of chocolate, the crunch of pecans, and the colorful cheer of Christmas M&M’s, making them a hit among both kids and adults. They are easy to make and leave you with an impressive dessert that will surely bring the spirit of Christmas into your home.
Equipment Needed for Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
To make these delicious cookie bars, you will need a few essential tools. A 9×13-inch glass baking dish is necessary for baking the bars evenly. You will also need an oven for baking and measuring cups for accurate ingredient measurements. A spatula will come in handy for evening out the layers, and you may also want to have basic kitchen utensils like a mixing spoon and a butter knife for cutting the bars.
What You Need to Make Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. milk chocolate morsels
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup of Christmas M&M’s
How to Cook Christmas Magic Cookie Bars Step by Step
First, you’ll want to preheat the oven to 350°F. If you are using a glass dish, lower the temperature to 325°F. Next, place the unsalted butter into your 9×13-inch glass baking dish and melt it in the preheated oven. It should only take a few minutes for the butter to be completely melted.
Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted butter. Make sure to press down and even it out using a spatula. This layer creates a solid base for your cookie bars.
Now, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly on top of the graham cracker crumbs. The condensed milk is the magic ingredient that binds all of the layers together. After that, sprinkle the milk chocolate morsels evenly across the condensed milk layer.
Following the chocolate, add the chopped pecans on top of the chocolate morsels. Pecans add a nice crunchy texture and a bit of nuttiness to balance the sweetness. Lastly, sprinkle the Christmas M&M’s all over the top. Their colorful candy coating will brighten up your dessert and make it look festive.
Using a spatula, gently press the top layer down all across the surface. This helps to ensure that everything sticks together while baking. Now it’s time to bake the cookie bars. Place them in the oven and let them bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Remember that oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them.
Once they are done baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely. After cooling, use a knife to cut the bars into about 24 squares. They should be firm enough to hold together but still soft and chewy. Serve and enjoy this delightful holiday treat with family and friends!
How to Serve Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
Serving Christmas Magic Cookie Bars is simple and delightful. Once they are cut into squares, you can arrange them on a festive plate or platter. If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider placing the squares in individual cupcake liners for an attractive presentation.
These cookie bars can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. You may also want to serve them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
What to Serve With Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
Christmas Magic Cookie Bars pair well with a variety of beverages and dishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your dessert experience:
- Hot cocoa or peppermint-flavored coffee is perfect for a cozy winter treat.
- Eggnog is another holiday favorite that complements the sweet flavors of the bars.
- For a lighter option, serve these cookie bars with a fresh fruit salad.
- Pair with a cheese platter for a mix of sweet and savory flavors.
How to Store Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
Storing Christmas Magic Cookie Bars is straightforward. Once the bars have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can keep the bars at room temperature for up to a week.
If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, where they will stay good for about two weeks. For even longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to let them thaw before serving.
Tips to Make Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
To ensure your Christmas Magic Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips:
- Ensure that your butter is unsalted to control the flavor.
- Press down firmly on the graham cracker crumb base to prevent it from crumbling.
- Be careful not to over-bake; the edges should be slightly golden, while the center remains soft.
- Customize your bars by using different types of chocolate or adding coconut flakes, if desired.
- For an extra festive touch, you can mix in some crushed peppermint candies for a holiday twist.
Variation
While the classic recipe is a favorite, there are many delicious variations you can try.
- Add different types of nuts such as almonds or walnuts for unique flavors and textures.
- Substitute white chocolate morsels for a change in flavor and color.
- Add a layer of caramel sauce for a rich, gooey layer that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- For a fruity twist, mix in dried cranberries or raisins to add a little tartness.
Best Time to Make Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
Christmas Magic Cookie Bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and festive occasions. You can make these bars a few days in advance, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully.
They are ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as gifts in festive boxes. Making them during the holiday season not only adds sweetness to your celebrations but also creates lasting memories with loved ones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make your experience smooth, here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t melt the butter too long; it should be just melted, not bubbling.
- Avoid using too much graham cracker crumbs; a compact but not overly thick base is key.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; allowing the bars to cool completely will help them hold their shape when cutting.
- Be cautious with the baking time; every oven is different, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.
Nutritional Notes
While delicious, remember that Christmas Magic Cookie Bars can be rich in calories and sugar. Moderation is key if you’re mindful of your dietary goals. Each bar will have a combination of fats from the butter and pecans, sugars from the condensed milk, and carbs from the graham cracker crumbs.
If you want a healthier option, consider reducing the chocolate or substituting some ingredients for lighter alternatives.
FAQs
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a few days before serving; they stay fresh in an airtight container.
2. Can I freeze the cookie bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well for up to three months. Just ensure they are wrapped properly.
3. What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to experiment with various toppings such as caramel or different types of nuts for a unique flavor.
Conclusion
Christmas Magic Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that everyone will love. With their rich layers and festive colors, they capture the essence of the holiday season perfectly. They are easy to prepare and can be customized to fit your tastes, making them a fun and versatile dessert option.
Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or given as a sweet gift, these cookie bars bring joy and magic to your holiday celebrations. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create a holiday classic that will warm both hearts and bellies!
Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (325°F if using a glass dish).
- Melt the unsalted butter in the 9x13-inch glass baking dish in the oven.
- Once melted, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the butter, pressing down to form a solid base.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crumbs.
- Sprinkle milk chocolate morsels on top of the condensed milk layer.
- Add chopped pecans atop the chocolate morsels.
- Finish by sprinkling Christmas M&M's on the top.
- Gently press down on the top layer to help everything stick together.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
