No-Bake Christmas Rocky Road Bars with Pistachios
Make no-bake rocky road bars with chocolate, marshmallows, cookie crunch, cherries, and pistachios. Easy Christmas treat that yields 24 bars.
Rocky road is a chewy, crunchy chocolate treat that needs no oven. This holiday version uses red cherries and green pistachios for a festive look. Kids can help crush the cookies and stir in the mix-ins.
Tips for Success
- Melt the chocolate gently on low heat. Hot chocolate can turn grainy.
- Take the pan off the heat before adding marshmallows so they do not melt.
- Leave some chunky pieces when crushing the cookies for the best texture.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for clean edges.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make and chill the block up to 1 week ahead. Cut it into bars and store them in an airtight container in a cool place or the fridge. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and glitter 1 to 2 hours before serving. You can freeze the uncut block for up to 1 month and thaw it overnight.
Variations
- Use almonds or hazelnuts instead of pistachios.
- Replace the cherries with dried cranberries.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for extra shine.
No-Bake Christmas Rocky Road Bars with Pistachios
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 12-inch pan with foil, pressing it into the corners.
- Put both chocolates, the butter, and the corn syrup in a heavy saucepan. Melt over low heat, stirring often, until smooth.
- Put the amaretti cookies in a zip-top bag. Crush them with a rolling pin into a mix of big crunchy pieces and fine crumbs.
- Put the pistachios in a second bag and crush them lightly, so some pieces stay large.
- Take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the crushed cookies, pistachios, whole cherries, and marshmallows until everything is coated.
- Spoon the mixture into the pan. Press and smooth the top. It will stay a bit bumpy.
- Chill for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until firm enough to cut.
- Lift the block out of the pan using the foil. Dust the top with confectioners' sugar and add glitter if you like.
- Cut into 6 rows lengthwise and 4 rows across to make 24 bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cookies instead of amaretti?
Yes. Crushed shortbread or plain butter cookies work well. Amaretti add a light almond flavor.
Why is my rocky road too soft to cut?
It likely needs more chilling time. Give it another 30 minutes in the fridge, then cut with a sharp, hot knife.
Can I give rocky road as a gift?
Yes. Pack the bars in tins with parchment between layers. Keep the tin in a cool place until you give it.
