The Ultimate Candy Cookie Bars Recipe: Simple & Easy!

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I’ve always loved baking, especially when it involves turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. These Candy Cookie Bars are exactly that: a delightful mix of classic cookie goodness and your favorite candies, all baked into one irresistible treat.

From start to finish, including cooling time, you’re looking at about an hour before you can enjoy these gooey, delicious bars. So easy to make and even easier to customize, they’re perfect for any occasion!

Table of Contents

Easy: I designed this recipe to be straightforward, so anyone can make it, no matter their baking experience.
Fast: From mixing to baking, these bars come together quickly, making them perfect for when you need a treat in a hurry.
Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; use whatever candies you love!
Delicious: With a perfectly balanced cookie base and pockets of melted candy, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

½ cup butter ((softened))
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar ((packed))
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour\*
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup chocolate chips
25 Miniature Reese’s Cups ((or 9 full size – or any other candy of your choosing)!)

Ingredient Spotlight: Choosing High-Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients can truly elevate these Candy Cookie Bars. I always opt for the best butter I can find, as it adds a richness that’s hard to beat.

The same goes for chocolate chips; a good quality chocolate will melt beautifully and give you that intense chocolate flavor we all crave. And don’t forget the vanilla!

Pure vanilla extract makes a world of difference, infusing the bars with a warm, aromatic note. If you are looking for more desserts, consider this recipe for a Low Calorie Protein Donut Recipe.

Sometimes, you need to make a few tweaks based on what you have on hand or dietary needs. Here’s a handy guide to ingredient substitutions for my Candy Cookie Bars:

Ingredient	Substitution Options	Notes
All-Purpose Flour	Gluten-Free Blend (1:1 replacement)	Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for binding.
Butter	Vegan Butter Sticks, Coconut Oil	Vegan butter sticks offer the closest flavor profile. Coconut oil will slightly alter the texture.
Chocolate Chips	Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips, Cacao Nibs	Look for certified dairy-free chips. Cacao nibs add a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.
Reese’s Cups	Dairy-Free Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cups (if available), other candies of choice	Ensure any substitute candies align with dietary needs.
Egg	Applesauce, flax egg	Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before using

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfect Candy Cookie Bars every time. I always recommend glancing through the instructions before you start, just to be sure you have everything ready.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a 9×9” baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream together butter, light brown sugar and granulated sugar until well combined.
Add egg and vanilla to the butter/sugar mixture and beat until combined.
Add dry ingredients and beat until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Add chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed.
Press a little less than half of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, leaving about a ½ inch gap between the cookie dough and the side of the pan (it expands during baking)
Place Reese’s cups (or any other candy of your choosing) evenly spaced on top of the first layer of dough.
Top with the remaining cookie dough, making sure to completely cover the candy on both the top and sides.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the cookie bars out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve.

Want to take these bars to the next level? Try browning the butter! To do this, melt the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, it will bubble and foam.

Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden-brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Once browned, immediately remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding it to the sugar mixture.

Browning the butter adds a depth of flavor that is absolutely incredible! For another great baked good, you might like this Banana Oat Breakfast Bars – The Best Healthy Grab-and-Go Morning Recipe.

The Science of Candy Placement: Maximizing Flavor and Texture in Every Bite

You might wonder whether to mix the candy into the dough or layer it. I prefer layering because it creates distinct pockets of melted candy goodness. Mixing can distribute the flavor more evenly, but layering gives you that burst of flavor and a delightful textural contrast. The choice is yours, really!

While I love Reese’s Cups in these bars, the possibilities are endless! Consider other options like:

Caramel and pretzel for a sweet and salty treat.
Peppermint and chocolate for a festive twist.
Any chocolate candy bars!

To avoid over-baking, keep a close eye on the bars in the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden brown on top, but still slightly soft in the center.

For even baking, make sure your oven is properly preheated and that the pan is centered on the rack. The key to a gooey-to-crispy ratio is to not overbake. The gluten, sugar, and fat all play their roles in creating the perfect texture. According to Dinner Tonight, it is important to wash counter tops and hands before preparing your recipe and to use only clean utensils such as mixing bowls, baking pans and measuring spoons.

Adjusting for Different Candy Types: A Baker’s Guide

Baking times can vary depending on the candy you use. Chocolate tends to melt faster than hard candies, so you might need to reduce the baking time slightly if using a lot of chocolate.

For example, if using only chocolate candies, start checking for doneness around 23 minutes. To achieve a crispy cookie, use more white sugar; for a softer cookie, use more brown sugar.

For more great dessert options, explore our desserts category.

To keep your Candy Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days.

Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. To thaw, simply place them at room temperature for a few hours.

These bars are fantastic on their own, but why not take them to the next level? Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter.

Bars too dry: Make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to dry bars.
Bars too crumbly: This can happen if you over-mix the dough. Mix until just combined.
Uneven baking: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and that the pan is centered on the rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when cookie bars are done?

They should be golden brown on top and slightly soft in the center.

Can I use any candy in this recipe?

Absolutely! Get creative and use your favorites.

Will cookies harden as they cool?

Yes, they will firm up a bit as they cool.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking pan.

Do I have to brown the butter?

No, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

How do I know it’s ready?

Look for a nutty aroma and a golden-brown color.

Can I add any chocolate bars?

Sure, just chop them into bite-sized pieces.

When should I add the chocolate candy bars?

Layer them between the cookie dough.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Yes, I love adding chocolate chips!

How to prevent the candy from sinking to the bottom of the bars?

Make sure the dough is thick enough to support the candy.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, store them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Candy Cookie Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to get creative and have fun in the kitchen. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and utterly delicious, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Now, I want to hear from you! What candies will you use in your Candy Cookie Bars? Leave a comment below and let me know! And if you make these bars, don’t forget to share your results! Happy baking!

Jessica