Easy Cookie Bars

I love these easy cookie bars so much! They are quick to make and fuss-free. Plus, you can use chocolate chips or your favorite candy to make them. I love peanut butter cups but use what you love.

Forget scooping individual cookies! These cookie bars are my go-to when I need a fast, simple dessert. The batter comes together quickly and easily, and instead of fussing with baking sheets, you press it into a pan. It’s as easy as dumping, spreading, and baking!

This recipe is perfect for using leftover Halloween candy or those half-empty bags of chocolate chips and nuts in your pantry. Feel free to get creative and customize these bars with your favorite mix-ins!

Key Ingredients

• Flour: I use all-purpose flour for these easy cookie bars. Some bakers love using bread flour to make their cookies chewier. If you want to experiment with it, the dough will be drier, so consider adding a tablespoon or two of milk.
• Sugar: I like a combination of granulated and brown sugar for the perfect crispy, chewy texture. If you only want one, I recommend using brown sugar, as this will provide the most flavor.
• Butter: I use salted butter, but unsalted butter is fine for this recipe. If you use unsalted, consider adding 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the cookie dough.
• Egg: This recipe calls for 1 egg, which adds flavor and structure to the bars.
• Vanilla and Salt: These combine to make extra tasty cookies. In our easy chocolate chip cookies, we also add espresso powder, which would be lovely in this bar recipe, too!
• Baking Soda: It helps our cookies rise and turn a lovely golden brown.
• Chocolate or Candy: It’s totally up to you! Use whatever you have in your pantry, or try leftover candy. I love peanut butter cups and used mini cups in the photos.

How to Make Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are the perfect base for your favorite cookie mix-ins. To make them, beat butter with sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg.

You can mix the flour, baking soda, and salt from there. Then, fold in chocolate chips, chopped candy, or whatever else you love. I bake these bars in a square baking pan, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.