Table of Contents: Christmas Jewel Squares
Christmas Jewel Squares
The holiday season calls for decadent, easy-to-make treats that dazzle on the dessert table. Enter Christmas Jewel Squares—a vibrant, layered bar cookie bursting with buttery graham cracker crust, gooey sweetened condensed milk, rich chocolate, and colorful holiday sprinkles. Also known as Christmas Magic Cookie Bars or Seven Layer Bars, this no-fuss dessert is perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy family nights by the fire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a holiday newbie, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping treat with minimal effort.
Introduction: Christmas Jewel Squares
There’s something magical about a dessert that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor, and Christmas Jewel Squares deliver just that. These bars are a festive twist on the classic Seven Layer Bars recipe, featuring layers of graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and pecans—all bound together with sweetened condensed milk. The result? A chewy, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or even as a homemade edible gift, these Holiday Magic Bars are a nostalgic favorite. Their colorful appearance—thanks to red and green sprinkles or festive M&M’s—makes them a standout on any dessert platter. Plus, they require no mixer, no rolling, and no complicated techniques—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas feast or looking for a quick dessert to bring to a potluck, these bars are a foolproof crowd-pleaser. Keep reading for the full recipe, expert tips, and answers to all your FAQs!
Alternate Names & Variations
These delightful bars go by many names, so if you’ve heard of Christmas Magic Cookie Bars, Seven Layer Bars, or Holiday Magic Bars, you’re already familiar with this treat! Some popular variations include:
– Peppermint Magic Bars (add crushed candy canes for a minty twist)
– White Chocolate Cranberry Bars (swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and dried cranberries)
– Nut-Free Magic Bars (omit pecans and add extra coconut or pretzels for crunch)
No matter what you call them, the result is always a rich, indulgent dessert that disappears fast!
Ingredients: Christmas Jewel Squares
Christmas Jewel Squares
For the perfect Christmas Jewel Squares, you’ll need:
- – 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
- – ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- – 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- – 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- – ½ cup butterscotch chips
- – ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- – 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- – ¼ cup holiday sprinkles or festive M&M’s (for decoration)
Pro Tip: For extra holiday flair, use red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies on top!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust.
3. Layer the Goodness: Sprinkle shredded coconut, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped pecans evenly over the crust.
4. Pour the Glue: Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the top, ensuring it covers all layers. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
5. Add Festive Touches: Scatter holiday sprinkles or M&M’s on top for a cheerful finish.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
7. Cool & Slice: Let the bars cool completely (about 2 hours) before cutting into squares.
Chef’s Tip: For clean cuts, chill the bars for 30 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 35 mins + cooling | Servings: 24 squares | Calories: ~220 per bar
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
– No-Bake Alternative? If you’re short on time, skip the oven and press the mixture into a pan, then refrigerate for 4 hours.
– Customizable: Swap butterscotch chips for peanut butter chips or use almonds instead of pecans.
– Perfect Texture: The key to non-runny bars is letting them cool completely before slicing.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
– Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
– Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
– Reheating: Warm briefly in the microwave (10 sec) for a gooey treat.
People Also Ask: Christmas Jewel Squares
What are jewel squares made of?
Christmas Jewel Squares are made with a graham cracker crust, layered with coconut, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk. The festive sprinkles or M&M’s add a holiday touch, making them a colorful and indulgent treat.
How do you store Christmas jewel bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for 3 months.
Can you freeze seven layer bars?
Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why are my magic bars runny?
Runny bars usually result from underbaking or cutting too soon. Ensure the edges are golden and the center is set before removing from the oven. Let them cool completely (2+ hours) before slicing.
Conclusion: Christmas Jewel Squares
There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than with a batch of Christmas Jewel Squares. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit, these bars are a must-try this season. Share them at parties, gift them to neighbors, or enjoy them with a cup of cocoa by the tree.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on social media or leave a comment below—we’d love to see your festive creations!
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Christmas Jewel Squares
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
Description
Festive, colorful, and chewy dessert bars packed with candied fruit and a sweet buttery base – perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup red candied cherries, halved
- 1 cup green candied cherries, halved
- 1 cup chopped dates
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Fold in pecans, red and green candied cherries, and dates.
- Spread mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
These squares taste even better the next day. You can wrap them in festive paper for a sweet homemade gift!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: christmas, bars, squares, candied fruit, holiday dessert