Description
If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and irresistibly indulgent treat, Santa’s Trash Cookie Bars are exactly what you need. This easy recipe combines gooey cookie dough, crunchy mix-ins, and a creamy topping to create the ultimate dessert bar. Perfect for holiday gatherings, quick dessert ideas, or even a sweet snack.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup holiday M&M’s (divided)
1 cup cereal squares
3/4 cup crushed pretzels
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture to form dough.
6. Fold in chocolate chips, half of the M&M’s, cereal, and pretzels.
7. Press dough evenly into prepared pan.
8. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden on edges and set in center.
10. Cool completely in the pan.
11. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
12. Spread frosting over cooled bars.
13. Top with remaining M&M’s, cereal, and pretzels.
14. Slice into bars and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for best texture.
Do not overbake; keep the center slightly soft.
Cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy dessert, holiday treats, cookie bars, festive baking, quick dessert ideas