Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars are a delightful and festive treat that perfectly combines sweet and salty flavors. As the holiday season approaches, these cookie bars become a must-have in my kitchen. They not only look vibrant with their colorful ingredients but also bring joy to any gathering. Perfect for cookie exchanges or just as a fun dessert to share with family and friends, these bars are sure to make your holiday celebrations even sweeter.

Why You’ll Love This Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars

Here are some reasons to whip up these delicious bars:

They’re a unique blend of textures and flavors, thanks to potato chips and pretzels.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, they easily impress friends and family.
Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, making them a versatile treat.
Quick to bake and easy to slice into squares for serving.
These bars are festive, featuring holiday colors and sprinkles.
They’re suitable for a vegetarian diet, making them accessible for many. They are truly one of the best holiday cookie bars with Santa’s mix!

Ingredients for Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¾ cup potato chips, crushed
¾ cup pretzels, crushed
¾ cup chocolate chips
¾ cup Christmas M&Ms
2 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles

How to Make Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9-inch × 13-inch cake pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition for about 10 seconds.
Step 5: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Fold in the chips, crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, M&Ms, and most of the sprinkles.
Step 6: Spread the cookie dough out evenly in the cake pan and top with extra M&Ms, chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, and the remaining sprinkles.
Step 7: Bake the cookie bars for 22 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack.
Step 8: Allow the bars to cool for at least 1 hour in the pan before removing and slicing them into squares.

Pro Tips for the Best Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars

Keep these in mind:

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container for up to one week.
Feel free to customize the mix-ins according to your preference.
Consider using festive cookie cutters for fun shapes if desired!

Best Ways to Serve Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars

For a delightful presentation, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a festive holiday punch or warm cocoa. These are truly fun holiday trash cookie bars that elevate any dessert table!

How to Store and Reheat Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars

To store, place the bars in an airtight container. They can be kept fresh for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. This method also works wonderfully for meal prep, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand!

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars

What are Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars?

Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines sweet and salty flavors, making them a unique addition to any holiday gathering.

Can I make Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars in advance and store them in an airtight container, making them perfect for holiday parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookie bars. This will keep your festive trash cookie bars soft and chewy.

Variations of Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars You Can Try

Consider adding dried cranberries for a tart twist, or swap out M&Ms for seasonal chocolate kisses. You can also create a no-bake version using graham cracker crumbs as a base. The possibilities are endless!

For more delicious recipes, check out Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler or Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cookies. You can also explore Irresistible Peach Upside Down Mini Cakes for a fruity dessert option!

For additional tips on baking, visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice.