If you’re craving a fun, colorful, and delightfully chewy treat that captures the whimsy of the holidays, you have to try the Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars Recipe. This playful twist on a classic no-bake dessert brings together salty pretzels, gooey marshmallows, and creamy peanut butter all topped with a sprinkle of festive candies and chocolate chips. Not only is it a joyful treat to make with family and friends, but it also offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create a bar that is chewy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding saltiness, sweetness, or that irresistible creamy binding element.
- Pretzel sticks: Using 2 cups broken into spaghetti-like pieces adds a crunchy, salty base that mimics noodles.
- Mini marshmallows: 2 cups provide the chewy, melty texture that holds everything together.
- Peanut butter: 1 cup brings creamy richness and a nice nutty flavor contrast.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons help melt and combine the peanut butter smoothly.
- M&M candies: 1 cup divided adds colorful pops of sweetness and a bit of chocolate crunch.
- Red and green sprinkles or crushed holiday candy: 2 tablespoons to sprinkle on top for a festive look.
- Mini chocolate chips: 2 tablespoons optional, but they add little pockets of rich chocolate surprise.
How to Make Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Pretzels
Start by lining an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the cookie bars later. Then, break the pretzel sticks into smaller pieces that resemble spaghetti strands—this playful touch makes the bars all the more festive and fun to eat.
Step 2: Melt the Peanut Butter and Butter
In a saucepan over low heat, slowly melt together the peanut butter and butter until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. Stirring gently at this stage helps combine flavors and gives the bars a luscious consistency that will coat every pretzel piece perfectly.
Step 3: Mix Pretzels, Marshmallows, and M&Ms
Combine the broken pretzel pieces, mini marshmallows, and half of the M&M candies in a large mixing bowl. This is where the salty meets the sweet, setting the stage for layers of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Combine and Spread
Pour your warm peanut butter mixture over the pretzel mixture and stir gently so that everything is evenly coated. This ensures each bite offers a harmonious blend of chewy, crunchy, and creamy elements. Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan and press down firmly with a spatula or lightly greased hands to form an even layer.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Chill
Sprinkle the remaining M&M candies, red and green sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips evenly on top. These final touches add bursts of color and extra flavor. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour until the bars are completely set and hold together nicely.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares or bars and let them come to room temperature for the perfect chewy-and-crunchy texture. Now they’re ready to delight anyone lucky enough to try them!
How to Serve Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, try sprinkling a few crushed peppermint candies or additional holiday sprinkles on top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy touch that’s perfect for winter holidays.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa. If you’re serving at a party, consider adding a small bowl of fresh fruit or nuts to balance the sweetness and add some freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars in festive paper cups or cut them into bite-sized squares and place them on a holiday platter surrounded by candy canes or edible glitter for extra magic. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for charming gifts or party favors too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They maintain their delightful chewy texture best when kept cool but not cold.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed chewy and cool, reheating is not usually necessary. However, if you prefer softer bars, warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! You can substitute M&Ms with chocolate chips, festive chocolate candies, or even chopped candy bars to mix up the flavors and colors.
Is it necessary to refrigerate these bars?
Refrigerating helps the bars set firmly and hold their shape. If left at room temperature, they may be softer and stickier, which could be harder to cut and serve.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread to accommodate allergies while keeping that creamy texture.
What’s the best way to break the pretzels into spaghetti-like pieces?
I like to gently snap the pretzel sticks by hand into various small lengths, aiming for a random spaghetti-like look to keep the whimsical theme.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh and tasty for about 5 days, making them a great make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
The Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars Recipe is such a cheerful and delicious treat that brings a little magic to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a special snack yourself, these bars are a surefire way to brighten the day and fill your kitchen with joy. Don’t wait to whip up a batch and experience the fun and flavor for yourself!
Print
Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars are a fun and festive treat featuring pretzel sticks mixed with marshmallows, peanut butter, and colorful M&M candies. Perfect for holiday celebrations, they combine salty, sweet, and crunchy textures in a no-bake bar that sets in the refrigerator. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these bars are great for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzel sticks, broken into pieces
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup M&M candies, divided
- 2 tablespoons red and green sprinkles or crushed holiday candy
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Break Pretzels. Break the pretzel sticks into smaller, spaghetti-like pieces to mimic the appearance of noodles in the bars.
- Melt Peanut Butter and Butter. In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt together the peanut butter and butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, mix the pretzels, mini marshmallows, and half of the M&M candies, distributing the colors and textures evenly.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the pretzels too much.
- Transfer to Pan. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or greased hands to compact the bars firmly.
- Add Toppings. Sprinkle the remaining M&Ms, red and green sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips on top for color and extra flavor.
- Chill to Set. Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until they are firm and set enough to cut.
- Serve. Lift the set bars from the pan using the parchment paper, cut into squares or bars, and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Use smooth peanut butter for easier melting and mixing.
- If mini chocolate chips are unavailable, you can omit or substitute with small chocolate chunks.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold together when cut.
- For an allergy-friendly version, substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter.
