Christmas Chewy Bars are one of the simplest and most festive holiday treats you can make — just four ingredients and about 35 minutes from start to finish. These bright, chewy bars are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or an easy family dessert.
If you enjoy uncomplicated recipes, this one fits the bill. The base is a simple blend of graham cracker crumbs and sweetened condensed milk, with colorful holiday baking chips mixed in and a smooth layer of white frosting on top. It’s forgiving to make and easy to customize.
This version has a holiday feel, but the method works year-round — swap in different chips or toppings to suit any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only four ingredients
- Fast and easy to prepare
- Festive colors that look great on a holiday tray
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Sweet, chewy texture that everyone enjoys
- Simple enough for kids to help with
- Easy to adapt with different mix-ins or frosting
Ingredients
The printable recipe card with exact measurements and timing is included below.
- Graham cracker crumbs – Buy pre-crushed crumbs or crush whole graham crackers with a rolling pin.
- Sweetened condensed milk – One standard can.
- Holiday baking chips – Red and green or other festive chips; use plain chocolate chips or M&M’s if you prefer.
- Whipped white frosting – Store-bought whipped frosting works well; any brand is fine.
How to Make Christmas Chewy Bars
- Step One: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and set it aside.
- Step Two: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of the holiday baking chips. Mix until evenly combined, then press the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Step Three: Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Step Four: When the bars are cool, spread the whipped white frosting over the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of holiday baking chips over the frosting. Slice into bars and serve.
What to Serve with Them
- Roasted or candied nuts for a crunchy contrast
- A warm holiday drink like spiced punch or eggnog
- Other cookie bars and small treats for a dessert tray
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap graham cracker crumbs for Oreo crumbs for a chocolatey base.
- Use cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream instead of whipped frosting for a richer topping.
- If you can’t find holiday baking chips, substitute M&M’s, plain chocolate chips, or chopped peppermint pieces.
Storage Instructions
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wait until the frosting is fully set, then place bars in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Dessert Bar Ideas for the Holidays
- Buttery squares and blondies
- Nutty bars and chocolate-drizzled treats
- Spiced or creamy bars that pair well with coffee or hot cocoa
These chewy holiday bars are a quick, crowd-pleasing addition to any seasonal spread. Feel free to experiment with toppings and mix-ins to make them your own.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14oz/300ml can
- 1 ½ cups holiday baking chips divided
- 1 container whipped white frosting 12oz/340g container
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, and 1 cup of holiday baking chips. Mix until well combined and press evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 25 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
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Spread whipped white frosting over the cooled bars and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of holiday chips on top. Cut into bars and enjoy.