My Most Popular Christmas Bars (And the Simple Recipe Everyone Asks For)

Every year, without fail, these bars steal the show.

I’ve baked countless treats over the years, but these chocolate bars are the ones people ask for by name. Friends start hinting about them before December even arrives, family members request “just one more batch,” and by the time Christmas rolls around, I usually end up making at least 500 of these beauties.

The best part?
They look impressive, taste rich and indulgent… yet the recipe is incredibly simple.

These bars are the perfect balance of chocolatey, nutty, and slightly chewy, with a glossy top that makes them irresistible on any dessert table. They store well, travel well, and disappear fast — which is exactly what you want in a holiday treat.

Why Everyone Loves These Bars

• No complicated steps – perfect for busy holiday baking
• Deep chocolate flavor without being overly sweet
• Crunchy texture from nuts mixed throughout
• Great for gifting – they cut cleanly and look bakery-quality
• Crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike

If you’re looking for one dependable recipe to add to your Christmas lineup — this is it.

🍫 The Recipe: My Famous Chocolate Nut Bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups roasted peanuts (or mixed nuts, roughly chopped)
• 1 cup crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers

(Optional add-ins: mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan
   Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt the chocolate
   In a large saucepan over low heat, combine:
   • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
   • Milk chocolate chips
   • Butter
   • Sweetened condensed milk
   Stir constantly until everything is fully melted and smooth. Be patient and keep the heat low to avoid scorching.
3. Add flavor and texture
   Remove the pan from heat. Stir in:
   • Vanilla extract
   • Crushed biscuits
   • Nuts
   Mix until everything is evenly coated in chocolate.
4. Set the bars
   Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread evenly and gently press down with a spatula to smooth the top.
5. Chill
   Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until fully set and firm.
6. Slice and serve
   Lift out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife.

💡 Tips for Perfect Results

• Use good-quality chocolate — it really makes a difference
• Let the bars come slightly to room temperature before slicing for clean edges
• For gifting, wrap each bar in parchment or cellophane and store in an airtight container
• These bars keep well for up to 2 weeks in the fridge

🎄 Why I Make 500 Every Christmas

Because once people taste them… one is never enough.

They’ve become a holiday tradition in my home — the kind of recipe that gets passed around, requested year after year, and remembered long after the season ends.

If you try them once, don’t be surprised if they become your most popular bars too ❤️