Introduction to Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself searching for that perfect treat to share with family and friends. Enter Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars! These delightful bars are a sweet and salty explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. They’re not just easy to whip up; they’re also a fantastic way to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy mom or a professional juggling work and family, this recipe is a quick solution for a festive dessert that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat for busy lives. They come together in just 45 minutes, making them a breeze to prepare. The combination of sweet chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and fluffy marshmallows creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, these bars will become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients for Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these scrumptious Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This is the base of your bars, adding richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar: It brings a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely chewy texture.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the bars’ structure.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie bars, providing the necessary structure.
- Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Chocolate chips: These are the stars of the show, adding melty goodness in every bite.
- Crushed pretzels: They bring a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness.
- Mini marshmallows: These fluffy treats add a fun texture and a touch of nostalgia.
- M&M’s: Colorful and sweet, they add a pop of fun and extra flavor.
Feel free to customize your mix-ins based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. For example, you could swap out the M&M’s for nuts or dried fruit. The exact quantities for each ingredient are listed at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print and take to the kitchen!
How to Make Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Trust me, you want these bars to come out perfectly!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. This process is essential because it incorporates air into the mixture, making your bars light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s pale and fluffy!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The eggs act as a binder, giving your bars structure, while the vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately is important. It ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps your bars rise beautifully. No one wants flat cookie bars!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to tough bars. You want a nice, thick batter that’s ready for all those fun mix-ins!
Step 6: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Here comes the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, and M&M’s. This is where the magic happens. Each bite will be a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best results!
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This makes cutting easier. After they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When ready, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy the smiles on everyone’s faces!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip preheating the oven; it’s key for even baking.
- Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan: A standard size for these bars; you can use a glass or metal pan.
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for wet ingredients and a smaller one for dry.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars; a whisk works too!
- Spatula: Essential for spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
- Wire rack: Great for cooling the bars; a plate can work in a pinch.
Variations of Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
- Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap out regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Fruit Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity burst that complements the sweetness.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the batter for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Serving Suggestions for Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
- Pair with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Present on a festive platter, garnished with holiday sprinkles for a cheerful touch.
- Wrap individual bars in cellophane for a sweet gift idea.
- Enjoy with a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
FAQs about Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars
Can I make Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings!
How do I store leftover cookie bars?
To keep your Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
Can I customize the mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips, pretzels, or M&M’s for your favorite treats. Nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate work wonderfully!
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?
No worries! You can use a slightly smaller or larger pan, but keep an eye on the baking time. A smaller pan may require a bit longer, while a larger one may bake faster.
Are Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats!
Final Thoughts
Making Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars is more than just baking; it’s about creating joyful moments with loved ones. The delightful mix of flavors and textures brings smiles to faces, making every bite a celebration of the season. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them during a cozy night in, these bars are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness. Trust me, your family will thank you for this delicious treat!
Print
Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars: A Holiday Treat You Must Try!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars are a delightful holiday treat packed with a mix of sweet and salty flavors, perfect for sharing during the festive season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup pretzels, crushed
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup M&M’s
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, and M&M’s.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to customize the mix-ins based on your preferences.
- These bars can be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
