Candy Bar Cookie Bars
Indulging in a delightful treat can brighten any day, and what better way to treat yourself than with these scrumptious Candy Bar Cookie Bars? Imagine a perfect blend of chewy, gooey, and crunchy textures, all wrapped up in one delectable bar. These cookie bars are packed with flavors that will remind you of your favorite candy bars. Whether you are hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these bars are sure to impress!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Candy Bar Cookie Bars have taken the dessert world by storm, and for good reason! They are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of oats, chocolate, and peanut butter creates a rich, satisfying texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Plus, they are highly customizable! You can add your favorite candy bar bits or nuts to make them uniquely yours. Everyone loves a versatile recipe, and this one is a definite crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need
To whip up these delightful Candy Bar Cookie Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for topping)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips (for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for topping)
Tools of the Trade
Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Spatula: For mixing and spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch pan works perfectly for these bars.
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the cookie bars.
- Parchment paper: Optional, but helps with easy removal of the bars.
The Method for Candy Bar Cookie Bars
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Candy Bar Cookie Bars.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, firmly packed brown sugar, corn syrup, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Oats
Gradually add the quick-cooking rolled oats to the wet mixture. Stir well until the oats are fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and sticky.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips until evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture.
Step 5: Spread in Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it evenly across the bottom, pressing it down firmly to create a compact layer.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center may still look slightly soft, which is perfect for chewy bars!
Step 7: Prepare the Topping
While the bars are baking, prepare the topping by melting the additional creamy peanut butter and semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Once the cookie bars are out of the oven, spread the melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the top. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and any additional peanut butter chips or chocolate chips, pressing them down gently into the warm topping.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the Candy Bar Cookie Bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. For best results, refrigerate for a couple of hours to set the chocolate and peanut butter topping.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have any allergies or dietary preferences, consider these substitutes:
- Dairy-free butter: Use a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.
- Maple syrup: Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Gluten-free oats: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if necessary.
- Nut butter alternatives: Swap peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options.
Testing Timeline
To ensure your Candy Bar Cookie Bars come out perfectly every time, consider the following timeline:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cooling Time: At least 30 minutes
- Refrigeration Time (optional): 1-2 hours for best texture
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Candy Bar Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep! Here are some tips for storing them:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- For extended storage, freeze the bars in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my bars are too crumbly?
If your Candy Bar Cookie Bars turn out crumbly, it may be due to insufficient binding ingredients. Ensure you measure the peanut butter and butter accurately, as they help create a chewy texture.
Why are my bars too sticky?
Bars can be sticky if they are underbaked. Ensure you bake them until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. If they are still too sticky after cooling, you may want to refrigerate them to firm up.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate such as dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges appear golden brown and the center is slightly soft but not wet. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Don’t Miss These
If you loved making these Candy Bar Cookie Bars, you might also enjoy these tasty treats:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
- Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- No-Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Bars
- Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make these indulgent Candy Bar Cookie Bars! With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don’t forget to share your delicious results and enjoy every gooey bite!
The joy of baking is in the journey as much as it is in the finished product. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen as you create a delightful treat that brings smiles all around. Happy baking!
Candy Bar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, firmly packed brown sugar, corn syrup, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the quick-cooking rolled oats to the wet mixture. Stir well until the oats are fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and sticky.
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips until evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it evenly across the bottom, pressing it down firmly to create a compact layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center may still look slightly soft, which is perfect for chewy bars!
- While the bars are baking, prepare the topping by melting the additional creamy peanut butter and semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Once the cookie bars are out of the oven, spread the melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the top. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and any additional peanut butter chips or chocolate chips, pressing them down gently into the warm topping.
- Allow the Candy Bar Cookie Bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. For best results, refrigerate for a couple of hours to set the chocolate and peanut butter topping.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- For extended storage, freeze the bars in individual portions for up to 3 months.
