Nana Terri’s Chocolate Chip Bars: A Holiday Recipe Worth Passing Down

The holidays tend to slow us down in the best ways — bringing us back to warm kitchens, familiar recipes, and the traditions that quietly carry on from one generation to the next.

Nana Terri’s Chocolate Chip Bars are one of those recipes in our home. Originally a favorite from Jake’s childhood, they’ve become a year-round staple in our kitchen and one of our kids’ most requested desserts. Simple, reliable, and always enjoyed, these bars show up often — especially during the holidays.

At Martin Masonry & Concrete, our work is rooted in crafting legacies. While we build with stone and concrete, we also believe legacies are shaped in everyday moments — the ones that happen around the table, in the kitchen, and during time spent together at home.

Baking Together During the Holidays

One of the things we love most about Nana Terri’s Chocolate Chip Bars is how easy they are to make, especially when baking with kids.

There are no complicated steps or special equipment required, which makes this recipe approachable for busy families and perfect for little helpers. Measuring, stirring, and adding chocolate chips turns into time spent together — and during the holiday season, those moments matter most.

It’s a reminder that holiday baking doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.

A Classic Chocolate Chip Bar Everyone Loves

These chocolate chip bars have a soft, bakery-style texture with rich chocolate throughout. The vanilla pudding mix gives them a tender crumb and a familiar, comforting flavor that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

They’re:

• Soft in the center

• Lightly set on the edges

• Easy to slice, serve, and share

The kind of dessert that feels right at home at holiday gatherings, family events, and casual get-togethers alike.

A Family Favorite All Year Long

While these bars feel especially fitting during the holidays, they’re truly a year-round favorite in our home.

We bake them for:

• School events and celebrations

• Family gatherings

• Hosting friends and neighbors

• Or simply because someone asks for them again

What started as a childhood favorite has become part of our own family’s rhythm — made often and enjoyed by everyone.

The Gift of a Recipe Passed Down

We’ve always believed that one of the most meaningful gifts is a recipe shared from someone you love — especially when it’s written in their own handwriting.

We love family recipes. We love collecting them, sharing them, and learning new ones from others. Handwritten recipe cards tucked into cookbooks or boxes are some of our most treasured keepsakes, and the holidays are a beautiful time to pass those along.

Whether it’s Nana Terri’s Chocolate Chip Bars or another favorite from your family, recipes are a way to share a piece of home.

A Thoughtful Holiday Hosting or Gift Idea

These chocolate chip bars also make a lovely holiday hosting or gifting option.

For a simple presentation:

• Cut the bars into squares

• Place them in a bakery box or clear container

• Tie with twine or a ribbon

• Add a neutral dish towel or wooden spatula

It’s an easy, heartfelt gift that feels intentional — perfect for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.

Best Served With…

We love these bars:

• Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Or finished with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt

Both elevate the flavor while keeping them simple and classic.

A Holiday Tradition, Shared

The holidays don’t have to be busy or overdone to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s the recipes we return to — the ones passed down, written by hand, and baked again and again — that become the most special.

From our family to yours, we hope Nana Terri’s Chocolate Chip Bars bring a little warmth to your kitchen this season.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours. 🤍