Cookie Bar Recipes
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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make and always a hit, these 20 cookie bar recipes are just what you need. These irresistible bar desserts are the ultimate shortcut to cookie bliss—no scooping dough or rolling out cookies required.
One of the best things about cookie bars is how simple they are to make. You just mix the dough, press it into a pan, and bake—done in a fraction of the time it takes to portion out dozens of cookies!
Whether you’re a fan of semi-sweet chocolate chips, buttery crusts, or frosting-topped treats, these 9×13 cookie bars are packed with flavor and easy enough for even beginner bakers.
Read on handy baking tips, supplies you’ll need, and my best cookie bar recipes..
Baking Supplies
Before you get baking, make sure you have these essentials on hand:
- 9×13 baking pan – the perfect size for most cookie bar recipes
- Parchment paper sheets – for easy pan lining and mess-free removal
- Large bowl – to mix your dough or batter
- Mixer – a hand or stand mixer will cream butter and sugar easily
- Whisk – ideal for combining dry ingredients
- Rubber spatula – to scrape the bowl and evenly spread batter
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate measuring of all ingredients
This for Perfect Bar Cookies
- Line your pan with parchment paper and leave an overhang on the sides. It makes it easy to lift the whole slab out for clean slicing.
- Don’t overbake. Bars should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape and gives you nice, neat edges.
- Chill sticky doughs for a few minutes if they’re hard to spread—it makes them easier to work with.
M&M Cookie Bars
These colorful cookie bars are made with buttery dough and packed with M&M’s and semi-sweet chocolate chips. They're chewy, festive, and perfect for birthday parties, bake sales, or any occasion.
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7 Layer Bars
Also known as magic cookie bars, these sweet treats feature layers of chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, walnuts, and sweetened condensed milk on a graham cracker crust. No mixing required—just layer and bake.
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Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars
All the cinnamon-sugar goodness of snickerdoodles, but without the rolling and coating. These soft bars bake up perfectly thick and tender and are perfect for the holidays.
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Sugar Cookie Bars
Skip the cookie cutters and go straight to the fun with these sweet sugar cookie bars topped with frosting and sprinkles. Great for birthdays, holidays, or anytime.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These rich bars are loaded with peanut butter flavor and come together fast with just a few pantry staples. No rolling or shaping—just spread the dough and bake.
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Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
Sweet, tart, and dusted with powdered sugar, these lemon bars have a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust and a silky lemon filling. A bright option among bar desserts!
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Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Deep, fudgy flavor with a tender bite, these chocolate bars are like brownies’ chewy cousin. Made with cocoa powder and chocolate chips for double the chocolate goodness.
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These thick, chewy bars have a buttery chocolate chip cookie base, gooey caramel center, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top. Perfect for satisfying salty-sweet cravings.
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Funfetti Cookie Bars
These sprinkle-packed bar cookies are chewy and sweet with classic funfetti flavor. No frosting needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy
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Carmelitas
Oats, brown sugar, caramel, and chocolate come together for a layered dessert with a rich, chewy texture. A bakery-style treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.
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Brookie Bars
Can’t choose between brownies and cookies? These brookies give you both with a layer of chocolate chip cookie dough on top of fudgy brownie batter. Plus, they are super easy to make using store-bought cookie dough and boxed brownie mix!
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Homemade Twix Bars
A buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and sweet chocolate topping make these homemade Twix bars (aka Millionaire Bars) taste even better than the original. No candy thermometer required!
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No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These bars come together in minutes with no oven needed—just mix, chill, and slice. Rich and sweet, they taste like a Reese’s in bar form!
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Christmas Cookie Bars
Delicious cookie bars packed with red and green M&M’s, chocolate chips, and sprinkles—these festive treats are perfect for your holiday dessert tray.
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Harvest Spice Bars
Made with spice cake mix and cream cheese, these soft, sweet bars are full of cozy fall flavor. Great for Thanksgiving or anytime you’re craving autumn spice.
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Unicorn Cheesecake Bars
A magical mix of sugar cookie and cheesecake, these colorful unicorn bars are as fun to look at as they are to eat. Perfect for birthdays or any celebration.
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Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars
Thick, chewy, and topped with a generous layer of buttercream frosting, these holiday sugar cookie bars are bursting with holiday cheer. No rolling or cutting needed!
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
This nostalgic combo is transformed into an incredible cookie bar packed with peanut butter chips and a layer of jelly. A fun twist on a lunchbox favorite.
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Easter Magic Cookie Bars
These gooey bars start with a Golden Oreo crust and are layered with sweetened condensed milk, coconut, chocolate chips, and mini eggs. A must-bake for Easter dessert tables!
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Valentine’s Day M&M Cookie Bars
These chewy cookie bars are filled with red, pink, and white M&M’s, chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles. A sweet and simple Valentine’s dessert.
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