Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars

Save this recipe on:

I never thought I’d be inspired by a scene from a Christmas movie to create a dessert—but here we are. These Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars are my playful tribute to Buddy the Elf and his outrageous spaghetti candy breakfast. I decided to take all the chaotic sweetness of that moment and pack it into a chewy, buttery cookie bar loaded with colorful candies, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and even sweet noodles (aka pretzel sticks or candy strings) for the full effect. The result? A fun, irresistible dessert bar that’s both a conversation starter and a treat everyone will love.

These bars are so easy to make, yet they look like something straight out of a candy wonderland. I love making them for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just a festive movie night with the family. There’s something so joyful about each bite—it’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy all at once. Kids adore them. Grown-ups pretend not to, but trust me, they’ll be going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love These Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are an explosion of textures and flavors. Between the crunch of candy-coated chocolates, the gooeyness of melted chocolate and marshmallows, and the buttery richness of the cookie base, each bite is a celebration. They’re also super adaptable and easy to whip up in under an hour. Perfect for when you need something whimsical and crowd-pleasing fast.

What Kind of “Spaghetti” Should I Use?

You might be wondering: how do you make the “spaghetti” part of Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars? No, it’s not real pasta. For that noodle-y look, I like using thin pretzel sticks broken up, shredded white chocolate, or even candy strings. These add not just the visual fun but also a bit of texture. If you want a drizzle, yellow candy melts mimic syrupy spaghetti perfectly.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have mini M&Ms or prefer a different kind of chocolate, feel free to swap them out with chopped peanut butter cups, crushed peppermint candies, or holiday sprinkles. You can also go dairy-free with vegan butter and chocolate, or use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs in the base if needed. The marshmallows can be swapped with mini caramels or white chocolate chunks for a different twist.

Ingredients for Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars

• Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the gooey glue that binds all the ingredients together while adding rich, creamy sweetness.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Forms the buttery base layer that holds everything up and gives a light crunch.
• Unsalted butter: Helps solidify the crust and adds that deep, buttery flavor.
• Mini marshmallows: Melt into gooey pockets and mimic the snowy texture Buddy might approve of.
• Mini chocolate chips: Add melty, fudgy bites throughout the bars.
• Mini M&Ms or colorful candy-coated chocolates: Bring the colorful chaos and festive sweetness.
• Thin pretzel sticks or yellow candy melts: Represent the “spaghetti” and add a crunchy, salty contrast.
• White chocolate chips or candy strings: For extra sweetness and playful spaghetti vibes.

---

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the lining to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Melt the butter and mix it with the graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust layer. Use the back of a measuring cup for even compression.

Step 3: Layer the Magic

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Then scatter mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips over the top. Press down gently to ensure they stick.

Step 4: Add the Elf Chaos

Sprinkle M&Ms generously across the surface. Then scatter broken pretzel sticks or drizzle yellow candy melts in a crisscross pattern to resemble spaghetti noodles. For added drama, weave in some colorful candy strings.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Serve immediately for maximum chewiness and crunch, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The bars also freeze beautifully if you want to make them ahead of time.

---

How Long to Prepare Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars

Making Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars is surprisingly quick and easy. From start to finish, you can have these festive treats ready in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or school events.

• Prep Time: It takes about 15 minutes to crush the graham crackers, melt the butter, mix the base, and layer the toppings. If you’re using candy melts or intricate decorative candy, add a few more minutes.
• Bake & Cool Time: Bake for 25–30 minutes, then allow at least 30 minutes to an hour for the bars to cool fully before slicing. You can speed up cooling by placing the pan in the fridge.

---

Tips for Perfect Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars

• Use parchment with overhang for easy removal and clean cuts.
• Press each layer gently to help everything stick together without compacting the texture.
• Don’t overbake; the edges should be golden brown, but the center should stay soft.
• Let them cool fully before slicing to avoid a gooey mess.
• Customize your toppings with festive colors or themes for different occasions.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Forgetting to grease your parchment or foil can cause sticking disasters.
• Using regular marshmallows instead of mini can cause uneven melting.
• Overloading toppings might lead to unstable bars that fall apart when cut.
• Not pressing the crust firmly enough may cause it to crumble when slicing.
• Cutting while still warm can make the bars fall apart instead of clean slices.

---

What to Serve With Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars?

1. Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy hot cocoa is the perfect companion to these sweet bars, especially if topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

3. Festive Fruit Punch

Balance the sweetness with a tangy cranberry or citrus punch served over ice.

4. Salted Nuts

A bowl of roasted, salted nuts makes a great salty contrast to the candy-loaded bars.

5. Coffee or Espresso

For adults, a bold coffee or shot of espresso helps cut through the sweetness beautifully.

---

Storage Instructions

Once cooled and cut, store the Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 5 days. If stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

To freeze, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on specific ingredients used.

• Calories per bar: ~220
• Total fat: 11g
• Saturated fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 70mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are great for make-ahead. Store at room temp or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use a different type of candy?

Definitely. Any colorful candy works—try Skittles, crushed candy canes, or chopped candy bars.

Are they gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free graham crackers and pretzels. Be sure to check candy labels too.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can kids help make this?

Absolutely! Kids love layering the toppings and drizzling the “spaghetti.” Just handle the oven part yourself.

---

Conclusion

Elf Spaghetti Cookie Bars are everything you want in a festive treat: colorful, chewy, crunchy, and ridiculously fun to eat. Whether you’re inspired by Buddy the Elf or just want to make something unique this season, these bars are a guaranteed hit. They’re fast to make, easy to customize, and joyful to share—perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or simply bringing smiles to those you love.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: