Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars

Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone craving a festive holiday dessert without turning on the oven. These bars combine the nostalgic magic of classic sugar cookies with the ease of a no-bake recipe, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules. Whether you are preparing sweets for a Christmas party, a family gathering, or a cozy night in, these bars deliver a delightful blend of creamy sweetness, a soft chewy texture, and a satisfying crunch—all in one effortless dessert.

This recipe is ideal for home bakers of all skill levels. If you love the flavor of sugar cookies but want something quicker, simpler, and absolutely foolproof, these bars are your answer. With just a few pantry staples and holiday-themed ingredients, these bars come together in minutes, and the refrigerator does the rest of the work. The graham cracker crust creates a sturdy base, the sweetened condensed milk brings in a rich creaminess, and the white chocolate chips add a smooth, indulgent layer. Mini marshmallows and festive sprinkles give these bars their charming holiday spirit, while pecans provide a delicious optional crunch.

In this detailed recipe blog, you will find everything you need to make this festive dessert a success: a complete ingredient breakdown, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, serving ideas, storage advice, and more. The result is a joyful holiday treat that both kids and adults will love. Let’s dive into what makes Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars so irresistible and how you can whip up a batch effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars

There are countless holiday desserts to choose from, but these no-bake sugar cookie bars stand out thanks to their simplicity and their incredible flavor. The combination of buttery graham crackers, rich white chocolate, creamy condensed milk, and soft marshmallows creates a texture that’s somewhere between a fudge bar and a cookie bar—chewy, sweet, and satisfying.

One of the biggest reasons home cooks adore this recipe is that it requires absolutely no baking. That means you avoid heating up your kitchen, burning cookies, or worrying about timing. Instead, every ingredient blends together smoothly, forming clean-cut squares that hold their shape beautifully once chilled. This makes it a perfect dessert to prepare ahead of time for holiday gatherings.

Another reason this recipe is a holiday favorite is its festive appearance. The colorful sprinkles bring that unmistakable Christmas charm, while the marshmallows mimic little snowballs on top of the bars. These bars look fun, cheerful, and inviting on any dessert table. They remind everyone of childhood treats but with a delicious grown-up richness thanks to the creamy base and white chocolate.

Finally, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, or even crushed candy canes. No matter how you personalize them, they remain easy, reliable, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Understanding each ingredient helps you appreciate how this dessert comes together and what makes it so delightful. Here is a closer look at every component in the recipe:

Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 cups)

The graham cracker crumbs serve as the foundation of the bars. They create a firm base that holds all the toppings, while also adding a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients. When combined with butter and sweetened condensed milk, the crumbs transform into a soft but structured crust that mimics the taste of classic holiday treats.

Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 cup)

This ingredient is essential for binding the mixture and adding a creamy sweetness. It acts like a glue that holds the crust together while also enriching it with a smooth, decadent texture. Sweetened condensed milk is often used in fudge recipes, which is why these bars have a fudge-like consistency.

Unsalted Butter, Melted (1/2 cup)

Butter adds richness to the base and helps the graham cracker crumbs stick together firmly. Using unsalted butter allows for better control of the overall sweetness and flavor balance. The melted butter also gives the crust a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

Vanilla extract enhances the cookie flavor in the crust, adding warmth and depth. It pairs perfectly with the graham crackers and helps mimic the classic flavor profile of sugar cookies.

White Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups)

These chips add a sweet, creamy layer to the bars, offering a smooth counterbalance to the crunchy crust. As the bars chill, the white chocolate firms up but remains soft enough to cut cleanly, providing a decadent bite in every square.

Mini Marshmallows (1 cup)

Marshmallows contribute a fluffy, chewy texture that keeps the bars fun and playful. They also help capture that Christmas-time feeling, like tiny snowballs scattered across the top.

Festive Sprinkles (1/4 cup)

The sprinkles create a bright, cheerful pop of color that gives these bars their holiday charm. Red, green, and white sprinkles are the perfect combination for Christmas-themed treats.

Chopped Pecans (1/2 cup, optional)

Pecans add a crunchy, nutty element that enhances the texture and provides balance to the sweetness. They’re optional, but highly recommended for those who appreciate a little complexity in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make perfect Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars every time:

Step 1: Mix the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is completely blended and the crumbs are fully coated. The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers.

Step 2: Press the Crust into the Pan

Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the crust mixture into the pan and press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. A tight press ensures that the bars will not crumble when cut.

Step 3: Add the White Chocolate Layer

Sprinkle the white chocolate chips evenly across the top of the crust. Make sure to distribute them well so each bite contains a smooth, sweet layer of chocolate.

Step 4: Add Marshmallows and Sprinkles

Scatter the mini marshmallows over the chocolate chips, followed by festive sprinkles. Don’t be shy—use enough sprinkles to bring that true Christmas spirit to the bars.

Step 5: Add Optional Pecans

If you’re including pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the top. They add an irresistible crunch and pair wonderfully with the creamy chocolate and marshmallows.

Step 6: Chill the Bars

Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This step is essential because it allows the bars to firm up so they can be cut into clean squares without falling apart.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once the bars are fully chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares using a sharp knife. Serve them chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake Bars

To ensure your Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

Press the crust firmly: A firmly packed crust prevents crumbling and keeps the bars neat and sturdy.

Keep the bars refrigerated: The bars maintain their texture best when chilled. Remove them from the fridge only when ready to serve.

Cut with a warm knife: Dip a knife in warm water and dry it before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Use parchment paper: This makes removal effortless and prevents sticking.

Variations and Customizations

You can easily customize these bars depending on your holiday theme or personal preferences:

Swap the sprinkles: Use gold and silver for New Year’s, or pastel colors for winter celebrations.

Add crushed candy canes: For a peppermint twist, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

Use dark or milk chocolate chips: If you prefer a richer flavor, replace white chocolate with your favorite type of chocolate.

Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries or cherries add a festive fruity touch.

Storage Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight.

Conclusion

Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat—simple, festive, and irresistibly delicious. With a combination of creamy, crunchy, and chewy textures, they capture the magic of Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with family, these bars are guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday season.