Morning Christmas Bars are the ultimate way to start your holiday mornings — soft, chewy, and packed with festive flavors that make your kitchen smell like Christmas. These holiday dessert bars are rich with chocolate, marshmallows, and a buttery graham base, creating a magical combination that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas brunch, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, these festive Christmas cookie bars are guaranteed to bring warmth, joy, and a touch of sweetness to your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Festive flavor explosion: Each bite blends buttery graham crust, gooey marshmallows, and chocolate chips for pure Christmas bliss.
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Simple ingredients: You’ll find everything right in your pantry—no fancy baking skills needed.
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Perfect for gifting: Wrap them up and surprise your loved ones with homemade Christmas dessert squares.
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Great for make-ahead mornings: They store beautifully, so your holiday mornings are stress-free.
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Customizable: Add nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate for a personal touch.
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Kid-approved: These chewy Christmas treat bars are loved by kids and adults alike.
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Holiday magic in every bite: They fill your home with that cozy, sweet scent of the holidays.
Ingredients for Morning Christmas Bars
Gather your festive pantry essentials — these Christmas dessert bars come together with just a few simple ingredients:
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2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs: The base that gives a sweet, buttery crunch. Crush whole crackers if needed.
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¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep, chocolatey richness — go for high-quality cocoa for a bold flavor.
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1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the bars and keeps them smooth and tender.
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¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted: Creates a moist, buttery texture; substitute with melted coconut oil for dairy-free.
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1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk: Brings creamy sweetness and chewy consistency.
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3 cups (150 g) mini marshmallows: Soft, fluffy texture that caramelizes beautifully when baked.
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1½ cups (270 g) chocolate chips: Choose milk, dark, or white chocolate — or mix them for a layered effect.
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½ cup (60 g) chopped nuts (optional): Pecans or walnuts add crunch and contrast; omit for a nut-free version.
How to Make Morning Christmas Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later.
2. Create the Crust
In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the base.
3. Add the Sweet Layers
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Scatter mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top, pressing them lightly into the surface. Sprinkle chopped nuts if using.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the marshmallows are slightly toasted. Your kitchen will smell like pure Christmas cheer.
5. Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment and cut into festive squares.
Pro Tips for Perfect Holiday Bars
How do you keep Morning Christmas Bars soft and chewy?
Store them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. The condensed milk keeps them moist for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Morning Christmas Bars?
Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
What’s the best way to customize them?
Try adding dried cranberries, crushed peppermint, or a drizzle of white chocolate to match your holiday theme.
Best Ways to Serve
These festive dessert bars are perfect for:
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A cozy Christmas breakfast spread with coffee or cocoa.
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Holiday cookie exchanges or dessert trays.
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A sweet addition to Christmas brunch alongside fruit and pastries.
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Wrapping as edible gifts for friends and coworkers.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: 280 kcal
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Fat: 14 g
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Carbohydrates: 36 g
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Sugar: 28 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Fiber: 1 g
Storage & Leftovers
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Room Temperature: Store in a sealed tin for up to 5 days.
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Refrigerator: Keep chilled up to a week for firmer texture.
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Freezer: Wrap bars individually and freeze up to 2 months.
FAQs About Morning Christmas Bars
Can I make Morning Christmas Bars ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them a day in advance. They taste even better the next morning as the flavors meld together.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers and double-check your other ingredients. The result is still rich and chewy.
What if I don’t have condensed milk?
You can substitute with 1 cup heavy cream + ½ cup sugar, simmered until slightly thickened.
Recipe Variations
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White Chocolate Raspberry Bars: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and add raspberry jam.
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Peppermint Bark Bars: Use crushed candy canes and drizzle with white chocolate.
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Nutty Toffee Bars: Add crushed toffee bits and toasted pecans.
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Oreo Christmas Bars: Replace graham crumbs with crushed Oreos for a richer base.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about baking Morning Christmas Bars — the aroma, the gooey chocolate, and the joy they bring to every bite. These holiday baking bars aren’t just a recipe; they’re a cozy memory in the making. Share them at your next holiday brunch, wrap them for neighbors, or save a few for your Christmas morning coffee moment.