Oh, the joy of making Christmas no bake treats! There’s just something magical about whipping up a sweet indulgence without even turning on the oven. Trust me, these treats are not only quick to prepare, but they also fill the kitchen with the most delightful aromas that scream holiday cheer. I remember when I was a kid, my family would gather around the table, laughter echoing as we mixed and rolled these delicious bites together. It was our little holiday tradition that always brought us closer. Now, I love sharing the same joy with my friends and family, knowing that these easy no bake treats will be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they’re so versatile—you can make them your own! So, let’s dive in and spread some holiday sweetness together!
Ingredients for Christmas No Bake Treats
Gathering the right ingredients is key to the success of your Christmas no bake treats, and I’ve got you covered! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful bites:
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cups of crushed graham crackers (I like to crush them into fine crumbs for the best texture!)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar (this adds that perfect sweetness and smoothness)
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (make sure it’s unsweetened for a rich chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted (this helps bind everything together beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (trust me, it elevates the flavor!)
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows (because who doesn’t love those little fluffy bites?)
- 1 cup of chocolate chips (I often use semi-sweet, but feel free to experiment!)
How to Prepare Christmas No Bake Treats
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Christmas no bake treats! I promise, it’s as easy as 1-2-3, and you’ll be snacking on these in no time. Just follow my step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a festive treat that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Make sure to mix them well so that you have a nice, even blend of dry ingredients.
- Next, pour in the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything together until it’s fully combined and looks like a thick, chocolatey dough.
- Now, it’s time to fold in those delightful mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Be gentle here—just a few folds will do! You want to keep those marshmallows fluffy and not squish them too much.
- Grab a greased 9×9 inch pan and press the mixture firmly into the bottom. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure it’s nice and compact; this will help the treats hold together once they chill.
- Pop the pan in the refrigerator and let it chill for about 2 hours. This is the hardest part—waiting! But trust me, the chilling time is crucial for getting that perfect square shape.
- Once chilled, take the pan out and cut the mixture into squares. You can make them as big or as small as you like—just remember to share!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these Christmas no bake treats, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here are the estimated nutritional values for one square:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect when you indulge in these scrumptious treats. Enjoy every bite guilt-free during this festive season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These Christmas no bake treats come together in just 15 minutes of prep time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Fun to Make with Kids: Get the little ones involved! They’ll love mixing, folding, and pressing the mixture into the pan.
- No Oven Needed: Keep your kitchen cool and avoid the hassle of baking. Just mix, chill, and enjoy!
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Add in your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or switch up the chocolate types for a personal twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These treats are always a hit at holiday gatherings. Everyone will want to snag a piece (or two)!
- Perfect for Gift Giving: Wrap them up in festive packaging and share the holiday cheer with friends and family!
Tips for Success
Getting the best results from your Christmas no bake treats is all about a little preparation and technique. Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time!
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: For the best texture, make sure to measure your graham cracker crumbs and cocoa powder properly. Use a spoon to fluff up the dry ingredients before scooping them into your measuring cup. This way, you won’t pack them down too tightly!
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process. It’s crucial for the mixture to firm up, which helps the squares hold their shape when you cut them. Trust me, waiting is worth it!
- Grease the Pan Well: Make sure to grease your 9×9 inch pan thoroughly before pressing in the mixture. This makes it super easy to remove the treats later without any sticking!
- Gentle Mixing: When folding in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, be gentle! You want to keep the marshmallows fluffy and intact for that delightful texture in every bite.
- Use a Spatula: When pressing the mixture into the pan, a spatula can help you create an even surface. It’s also a great tool for gently pushing down the mixture without squishing it too much!
- Customize with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to top your treats with festive sprinkles or crushed nuts for a bit of extra flair. It adds a nice texture and a pop of color, making them even more appealing!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making these delicious Christmas no bake treats in no time. Happy cooking!
Variations on Christmas No Bake Treats
One of the best things about these Christmas no bake treats is how easy it is to switch things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Lovers: Go all out by using a mix of dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips. For an extra chocolatey punch, you could also add in chocolate-covered nuts!
- Nutty Delight: Fold in your favorite chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. It adds a lovely texture and a bit of healthy goodness!
- Fruit Fiesta: Mix in some dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or raisins for a chewy contrast against the creamy chocolate. It’s a great way to introduce a fruity element!
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the mixture for a festive mint flavor. You can also top the squares with crushed candy canes for a delightful holiday twist!
- Peanut Butter Bliss: Swap out half of the chocolate chips for creamy peanut butter chips. You could also drizzle some melted peanut butter on top for an extra indulgent treat!
- White Chocolate Wonder: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier version. You can even swirl in some berry jam for a pretty presentation!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to discover your favorite combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made these scrumptious Christmas no bake treats, you might be wondering how to store the leftovers (if there are any!). Don’t worry; they store beautifully! Just follow these simple tips to keep them fresh and tasty.
First, make sure your treats are completely chilled and firm. Then, place them in an airtight container to prevent any moisture from getting in. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about a week—perfect for snacking throughout the holiday season!
If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours. No reheating is necessary—enjoy them chilled for that delightful, refreshing bite!
So, whether you’re snacking on them right away or saving them for later, these Christmas no bake treats are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. Happy indulging!
Print
Christmas No Bake Treats: 7 Simple Ways to Delight Yourself
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy Christmas no bake treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows
- 1 cup of chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Fold in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with sprinkles for decoration.
- Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: christmas no bake treats
