Do you have a favorite Christmas movie? I love a number of them but will admit after seeing ‘Elf’ with Will Farrell there was no turning back for me. It is hands down the movie I can’t wait to watch each holiday season.
Besides his ever jubilant outlook on life I think one of my favorite parts is his listing of the four major food groups: Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn and Syrup. Tossing out the candy corn, that sort of is what takes over our counter tops on baking racks for December, as well as the noshes at holiday and school parties, isn’t it? Fortunately I have not attended any soirees where they serve pasta tossed with maple syrup as he did!
As much as I love a good tried-and-true holiday cookie, I sort of love a bar more. To me a bar is a holiday sweet that really man’s up with a sturdy constitution, packing a punch of flavor delivered in a chewy, gooey texture.
As with many families it is a holiday tradition to bake for Santa on Christmas Eve in the Boulder Locavore household. We love trying new recipes each year. We do have our favorites however. Anyone for Peppermint Bark? Couldn’t be easier and no one would ever know. Forgotten Cookies were something my Grandmother made every year and I thought they were magical. I now know they are meringues with nuts and chocolate chips that are put into a warmed oven turned off to sit overnight. I loved waking up early and opening the oven to find them perfectly crisp and delicious. For a festive sipper to accompany cookie decorating, try a nice mug of Wassail (and it can be served spiked if one is so moved).
These Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Magic Bars are sure to become a new favorite. With a theme of chocolate and mint, the bars are layered full of rich chocolate, mint, marshmallow with a fanciful appearance thanks to the colored M&M’s. They satisfy any sweet tooth and despite not having any candy corn or syrup, I feel sure they’d get a big thumb’s up from ‘Elf’.
This post is a tad short but I’m working on an extra special project I can’t wait to share with you Sunday! Please hop back for some inspirational holiday cheer.
Recipe
Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Magic Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free Chocolate Cookie Crumbs (I used Pamela’s Products Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies, ground in a food processor) or 1 ½ cups regular Chocolate Cookie crumbs if not gluten-free
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter , melted
- 1 14- ounce can Sweetened Evaporated Milk
- 1 cup Holiday Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (red, green and chocolate)
- 1 cup Milk Chocolate Holiday red and green M&M’s
- 1 cup Dark Chocolate Mint green M&M’s
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
- 4 standard size Candy Canes , smashed with a rolling pin
Instructions
- Butter or spray with non-stick spray a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Mix well and spoon into the prepared baking pan. Press down into pan to form a crust.
- Drizzle half of the sweetened evaporated milk over the cookie crumb crust and smooth out with the back of a spoon.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate chips, M&M’s, and marshmallows. Toss to fully combine. Distribute evenly over the crust.
- Drizzle the remaining sweetened evaporated milk over the entire mixture in the baking pan. Evenly distribute the smashed candy canes over the top.
- Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes until the marshmallows and condensed milk begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool fully before slicing. Tip: after the bars cool to room temperature, put them in the refrigerator to chill before cutting. This allows firm bars to be cut.
Mitch says
That looks absolutely delicious! And how is it that I have never seen Elf! I better get with the program, I am supposed to meet Mr. Ferrell next week for his new movie! Everyone raves about Elf as well, I better get moving!
Mitch
Toni Dash says
Oh Mitch, you HAVE to rent it or buy it immediately. It really is so funny. I think one of his best movies. Nothing foul in it either so it’s great for all ages. Promise you will!
Marcie W. says
These bars have everything I could possibly want in a holiday treat. I want to make them all magically disappear!
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
I made the Johnny Bravo “WHOA MAMA!” sound when I saw your first photo. I’m attending my first cookie swap in a few weeks and I didn’t know what to make until NOW! 🙂 🙂
Liz Mays says
Wow, these look so good. I’m really into peppermint right now and these would hit the spot!
Pam says
My daughter is going to love these. There is nothing like holiday baking! Peppermint and chocolate is a classic combo.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Oh, these look a bit rough in appearance, lots of different, mixed colors.
But, the recipe looks like they would taste quite good!
Raijean says
Now this is how you make a holiday treat. I’m going to have to try this.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
These are exactly what i am bringing to the big Christmas eve bash at my sister in law’s house. Thank you for this awesome recipe.
Travel Blogger says
These look incredible! I love the colors too. Very festive.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
OMG! That is a pan full of awesome! M&Ms, peppermint, and chocolate? Oh, you know I’m making these!