These Chocolate Chip & Candy Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Packed with colorful candy-coated chocolates and semi-sweet chocolate chips, these cookie bars are soft, chewy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these bars combine buttery cookie dough with crunchy candy for the ultimate dessert experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie bars are a hit for both kids and adults alike. They’re festive, fun, and full of texture and flavor. The combination of melty chocolate chips and crunchy candy adds variety to every bite, while the soft cookie base keeps things rich and satisfying. This recipe is ideal for making ahead, easy to transport, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Candy-coated chocolate candies (such as M&M’s or Smarties)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the candy-coated chocolates.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Sprinkle the remaining candy over the top, gently pressing them into the dough.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookie bars.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

Peanut Butter Version: Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough and use peanut butter candies.
Holiday Edition: Use holiday-themed colored candies for a festive touch.
Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch.
White Chocolate Swap: Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How do I keep the cookie bars soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain moisture.

Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I use different types of candy?

Absolutely. Feel free to experiment with chopped candy bars, chocolate chunks, or seasonal candies.

What’s the best way to cut these into clean bars?

Let the cookie bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for cleaner cuts.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or a large sheet pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Do I have to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bars, but you can also grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch. The texture may vary slightly.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.

Are these cookie bars chewy or crispy?

These bars are soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but you can use milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip & Candy Cookie Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together the best of classic chocolate chip cookies with a colorful, crunchy candy twist. Whether for a party, a bake sale, or a family treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and brighten any occasion. Try them once, and they may just become your go-to dessert recipe.

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Author: Mariem

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Description

These thick, chewy cookie bars are loaded with chocolate chips and colorful candy-coated chocolates—an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for parties and bake sales.