Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe – A Cozy, Festive Treat You Can Make in Minutes

There’s a tiny hush in the kitchen when the oven stays off and the house still smells like cinnamon and butter from earlier baking tests. Right now, I want to share a quick favorite: Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re creamy, bright with vanilla, and sprinkled with holiday colors — and they remind me of a cold evening when my kids and I pressed sprinkles into everything we could find. If you want a no-fuss holiday dessert, this is it, and you can even follow along this page for the full recipe and little tricks I love. For another spin on bars, try this Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars link while you read.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you’ll have dessert in no time.
• Comforting homemade flavor with a buttery, vanilla-rich finish.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for any occasion — from cookie exchanges to last-minute guests.
• Always a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids who love sprinkles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted — use unsalted so you control the salt level.
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups white chocolate chips — choose a good quality brand for creamier texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, white)
• Mini marshmallows or chopped nuts (optional for topping)

For inspiration on other sugar cookie bar styles, peek at this fun collection of sugar cookie bar ideas.

How to Make It

1. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily.
2. In a bowl, stir the crushed wafers, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture looks sandy and clumps when pressed. Press this firmly into the pan to form a compact crust. It should feel slightly dense and cool under your palm.
3. Put the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk into a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly, and notice the mixture becoming glossy and thick. That slow swirl of white chocolate has a warm, sweet smell that tells you it’s nearly done.
4. Once smooth, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and half of the sprinkles. The vanilla lifts the sweetness and the sprinkles add little pops of color.
5. Pour the warm, creamy mixture over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula. The top should shine and settle gently into the crumbs.
6. Scatter the remaining sprinkles, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts on top if you like. They add crunch and a playful look.
7. Chill the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours until it sets. Then slice into bars. Pro Tip: Warm your knife under hot water before slicing for perfectly clean, sharp edges on each festive bar!

If you want a slightly tangy twist, people often add lemon zest — check this lemon version for ideas: sugar cookie lemon bars.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Crush wafers in a zip bag with a rolling pin, and press the crust in with the bottom of a measuring cup to get an even layer fast.
• Common fix: If the topping seems grainy, keep stirring over low heat until everything is silky smooth; small lumps usually melt away.
• Personal twist: For a cozy, maple-vanilla vibe, sprinkle a little sea salt on top and serve with maple cookies—see this idea for inspiration: maple glaze cookies.

Serving Ideas

Serve these bars at a family dinner, Sunday brunch, or a cozy night in with hot cocoa. They look charming on a holiday platter, and kids love to help plate them. For a grown-up pairing, serve with a sharp coffee or a light, fizzy cider. Garnish with extra sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few whole cranberries for color. For more classic bar ideas, you can also compare to other sugar cookie bars here: sugar cookie bars.

Storing & Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days so they stay firm and chewy.
• To freeze, wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Leftover idea: Chop up bars and fold them into whipped cream for a quick trifle or use as an ice cream topper.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars often taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course — use your favorite cookies for the crust or try dark chocolate chips for a richer contrast.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Slice while cold for clean bars, and serve with a warm drink so the white chocolate contrast feels cozy.

Q: How do I know it’s set?
A: The top will feel firm and slightly springy; if it jiggles too much, give it another hour in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I make these when I want a little holiday sparkle without the fuss of baking, and they always bring smiles. This recipe is simple, forgiving, and perfect when you want something pretty to share. Try it with friends and family, and then make it your own — maybe a sprinkle swap or a nutty topping will become your signature. Give Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars a try this season and let the warm vanilla notes remind you of cozy nights and small, sweet moments.

Conclusion

If you enjoy experimenting with sugar cookie bars and want more inspiration, check out this delightful variation: Sugar Cookie Cheesecake Bars – Life With The Crust Cut Off. Also, for another classic take on holiday sugar cookie bars that’s similar in spirit, see Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars – The Country Cook.

Santa’s No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bars

These creamy, festive no-bake sugar cookie bars are quick and easy to make, bursting with vanilla flavor and topped with colorful sprinkles — perfect for any holiday gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham cracker crumbs Use crushed wafers for the best texture.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Use unsalted to control the salt level.
• 1/4 cup sugar

Filling

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups white chocolate chips Choose a good quality brand for a creamier texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup holiday sprinkles (red, green, white) Use half for the filling and half for topping.
• to taste mini marshmallows or chopped nuts Optional for topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, stir the crushed wafers, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture looks sandy and clumps when pressed.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the pan to form a compact crust.

Filling

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and half of the sprinkles.
3. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
4. Sprinkle the remaining sprinkles, mini marshmallows, and chopped nuts on top if desired.

Chilling

1. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until set.
2. Slice into bars and serve.
3. For clean edges, warm your knife under hot water before slicing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For freezing, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Leftovers can be chopped and added to whipped cream for a trifle.