There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and making these *Christmas bites* is one of my favorite traditions. The joy of mixing up simple ingredients and transforming them into delightful, chewy squares is just unbeatable! Every bite is a burst of chocolatey goodness, and they’re perfect for sharing at festive gatherings. I love how they bring everyone together, whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors stopping by for a holiday treat. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself making them year after year. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a sweet reminder of the joy and warmth that the holidays bring. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (your choice, I love walnuts or pecans!)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps ensure that your *Christmas bites* bake evenly, giving you that perfect gooey center and just-right texture. So, while you’re gathering your ingredients, let the oven do its thing!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Just grab a whisk or a fork and mix them together until they’re well blended. This step is vital because it ensures that every bite is evenly flavored! The chocolatey aroma will already start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s a good sign!
Combine with Wet Ingredients
Next up, pour in the melted butter. Use a spatula to stir everything together until it’s all nicely combined. The mixture should start to come together into a thick, slightly sticky batter. Don’t worry if it feels a bit crumbly at first—that’s how it should be!
Fold in Additional Ingredients
Now, it’s time to fold in those mini marshmallows and chopped nuts. Gently mix them in with a spatula, being careful not to crush the marshmallows. You want those little pockets of sweetness to stay intact for that delightful surprise in every bite!
Prepare the Baking Pan
Grab a greased baking pan (I usually use an 8×8 inch one) and press the mixture firmly into the bottom. Make sure it’s evenly spread out—you want all those delicious layers to meld together while baking. A flat spatula works wonders here!
Add Toppings and Bake
Now for the best part! Sprinkle those chocolate chips generously on top of the mixture. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of chocolate bliss. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set but the center still has a little jiggle.
Cooling and Cutting
Once baked, let the *Christmas bites* cool in the pan for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a little bit more. Once they’re cool enough to handle, cut them into small squares and get ready to enjoy! I promise, these bites will disappear faster than you can say “holiday cheer!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Deliciously chewy with a delightful mix of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts.
- Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, parties, or cozy family nights.
- Fun to make with kids or friends—everyone can get involved!
- These bites are a festive treat that’s sure to impress your guests.
- They can be made ahead of time, saving you time on the big day.
- Customizable—swap out nuts or add your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and trust me, you want these *Christmas bites* to be perfectly chewy!
- Use quality chocolate: Since chocolate chips are a star player in this recipe, go for a brand you love. The better the chocolate, the richer your bites will taste!
- Customize your nuts: You can use any nuts you like, but toasty walnuts or crunchy pecans really add that festive crunch. Just make sure they’re chopped evenly for the best texture!
- Let them cool: Patience is key! Allowing the bites to cool completely before cutting helps them hold their shape better. It’s hard, I know, but it’s worth it!
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feeling adventurous? Add in some dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries, for a pop of flavor and color. It’ll make your *Christmas bites* even more festive!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious *Christmas bites*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for a couple of days, but if you want to prolong their deliciousness, pop them in the fridge. They’ll last up to a week this way, though I doubt they’ll stick around that long!
If you’re thinking of enjoying them later, you can freeze these bites too! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature! Trust me, they’re still super tasty even after a little time in the freezer!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for each delicious *Christmas bite*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
These bites are not only a festive treat but also a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Enjoy them guilt-free during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I make these *Christmas bites* ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bites are perfect for making a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to serve them.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you want to make a nut-free version of these *Christmas bites*, simply substitute the nuts with seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You’ll still get that delightful crunch and texture!
How should I cut the bites for serving?
I recommend using a sharp knife to cut them into small squares or rectangles. A little tip: if you run the knife under hot water and dry it off, it helps make cleaner cuts through the gooey chocolate!
Can I freeze these bites?
Definitely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight—easy peasy!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover *Christmas bites* in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, stick them in the fridge for a week. But let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!
Christmas Bites: 7 Magical Memories in Every Bite
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 bites 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious Christmas bites perfect for your holiday gatherings.
Składniki
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham crackers, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder.
- Add melted butter and stir until combined.
- Fold in mini marshmallows and chopped nuts.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into small squares.
Uwagi
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Substitute nuts with seeds for a nut-free option.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bite
- Kalorie: 120
- Cukier: 8g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 6g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 15g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas bites, holiday treats, dessert recipes
