Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars

Every year, as soon as December rolls around, my kitchen transforms into a holiday workshop filled with sprinkles, sweets, and more butter than I probably want to admit. But when days get busy - holiday parties, school events, wrapping gifts, and family gatherings - I always reach for quick, simple treats that still bring the magic of Christmas to the table. These Santa's No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars have become one of my favorite go-to holiday recipes because they check all the boxes: festive, easy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely delicious.

I first made these bars on a snowy December afternoon when the kids were desperate to decorate "something," and I didn't feel like turning on the oven. With just a few pantry staples and some Christmas sprinkles, this no-bake dessert quickly became a family tradition. The combination of a graham-cracker-cookie crust, creamy condensed milk, white chocolate, marshmallows, and festive sprinkles tastes like a cross between a sugar cookie and a holiday fudge - and trust me, Santa approves.

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

• No oven needed - perfect for busy holiday baking days.
• Only 15 minutes of hands-on prep, then the fridge does the rest.
• Festive and kid-friendly, especially if little hands want to help decorate.
• Customizable - add nuts, swap sprinkles, or stir in crushed peppermint.
• Perfect for gifting - slice into squares and wrap in treat bags or tins.
• Sweet, creamy, and irresistible - tastes like Christmas in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

These simple ingredients make the magic happen:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  These form the base, giving the bars structure and a "cookie-like" flavor.
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  Helps bind the crust together and adds irresistible sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  Rich and buttery - essential for a soft, cohesive crust.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Gives the bars their sugar-cookie flavor.
• 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
  Creamy, sweet, and festive - they melt slightly into the marshmallows.
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
  Soft, chewy texture reminiscent of holiday treats.
• ¼ cup festive sprinkles (red, green, and white)
  These make the bars look like Santa's favorite dessert.
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
  Add crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.

Tip: Want even more cookie flavor? Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the crust mixture!

Step-by-Step Instructions

With no oven and minimal effort, these bars come together beautifully:

1. Mix the crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the crumbs are fully coated. The mixture should resemble a thick, sticky dough.

2. Press into a baking pan

Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper - this makes removing and slicing the bars effortless. Firmly press the crust mixture into an even layer in the bottom of the pan. Pressing firmly is key here so the bars don't crumble later.

3. Add white chocolate

Sprinkle white chocolate chips evenly across the top of the crust. These will soften slightly as the bars chill, giving you creamy pockets of sweetness.

4. Add marshmallows and sprinkles

Scatter mini marshmallows over the white chocolate chips. Then add your festive sprinkles, letting them fall naturally for a pretty, scattered look.

5. Add nuts if you like

If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top for an added crunch.

6. Chill thoroughly

Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. The bars need this time to firm up and hold their shape.

7. Slice and serve

Once the bars are fully set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares, serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, crunchy, festive perfection.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Keep bars chilled for the best texture and cleanest slices.
• These bars taste amazing right out of the fridge or after sitting at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.
• Perfect for gifting: Wrap squares in wax paper, place in decorative tins, and store in the fridge until gifting.
• To store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• To freeze: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months! Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.

Helpful Notes

• Want more color? Stir extra sprinkles into the crust before pressing it into the pan.
• Going nut-free? Simply skip the pecans - no adjustments needed.
• Prefer a softer bar? Add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk to the crust.
• Make it peppermint-themed: Replace the sprinkles with crushed candy canes and sprinkle crushed peppermint over the white chocolate layer.
• Add a sugar cookie twist: Mix 1 tablespoon of dry instant vanilla pudding into the crust mixture for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
Yes! Milk or semi-sweet chocolate shifts the flavor slightly but works deliciously.

2. My bars seem crumbly - what did I do wrong?
They likely need more pressing or more chilling time. Make sure the crust is tightly compacted and chill for the full 2 hours.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely - they're perfect for prepping the night before. Just store in the fridge until ready to serve.

4. Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes! This is one of the most kid-friendly holiday treats - no baking, easy layers, and lots of decorating fun.

5. Do I need to toast the pecans first?
It's optional, but toasting them for 5 minutes at 350°F enhances the flavor beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Santa's No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars are the kind of recipe that makes holiday baking feel joyful instead of overwhelming. They're sweet, colorful, full of festive flair, and incredibly simple to prepare - even on the busiest December days. Every bite is creamy, crunchy, and loaded with holiday cheer, making them perfect for cookie platters, parties, or leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

If you're looking for a low-effort dessert with maximum festive impact, these no-bake bars will quickly become a yearly tradition. Gather your sprinkles, grab the marshmallows, and get ready to make a treat that brings smiles to everyone who tastes it.