Christmas Cookie Bars
Sweet and indulgent Christmas Cookie Bars featuring graham crackers, chocolate, coconut, and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings and satisfying a sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the oleo in a 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Pour the remaining ingredients—graham crackers, chocolate chips, coconut, chopped pecans, and Eagle Brand milk—on top of the melted oleo in the pan.
- Bake at 300°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of oleo. If you want to add a bit of spice, a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the taste. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred. Be sure to press the ingredients down firmly in the pan to ensure they hold together after baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Cookie Bars can be served as a festive dessert during holiday gatherings. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat. For a complete holiday spread, serve these alongside other desserts like the Brownie Nut Pie for a delightful selection.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cookie Bars contains roughly 1106 calories, with 15g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 581mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, these cookie bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They often taste even better after a day as the flavors meld together.
What can I use instead of Eagle Brand milk?
If you need a substitute for Eagle Brand milk, you can use homemade sweetened condensed milk made from whole milk and sugar. Alternatively, a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar can work as a substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I add other ingredients to the bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even swapping out the coconut for other nuts. Just ensure that any additional ingredients do not exceed the total volume to maintain the right consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).