Go Back

Santa's Trash Cookie Bars

Indulge in a delightful blend of soft cookie, crunchy pretzel, and gooey marshmallows with Santa's Trash Cookie Bars, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Key Ingredients
  • 1 cup Butter, softened Use high-quality European-style butter for a rich flavor.
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Consider reducing for less sweetness.
  • 2 large Eggs Can substitute with flax eggs for vegan option.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Can replace with gluten-free flour for gluten-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
  • 1 cup Crushed Pretzels Adds texture and contributes whole grains.
  • 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
  • 1 cup Festive Candies (e.g., M&M's, Sprinkles)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with a light coat of butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until just combined—do not overmix!
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, and festive candies until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Baking
  1. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set but still soft.
  3. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Serve your Santa's Trash Cookie Bars warm, topped with vanilla ice cream for an enhanced experience. These bars freeze well; wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.