20 Awesome Cookie Bars

Folks who love the flavor of the classic cookie will enjoy that same great flavor in these chocolate chip bars. This blondie recipe can be mixed up in a jiffy, tastes wonderful, and is perfect for occasions when company drops by unexpectedly or you need a treat in a hurry. —Rhonda Knight, Hecker, Illinois

With seven of us in our family, including two teenage boys, these peanut butter cookie bars never last long! It's hard to believe how simple these peanut butter bars without graham crackers are to prepare. —Deb DeChant, Milan, Ohio

These are so easy to make and take no time at all. They’re great to package up for those college kids looking for something from home. Everyone will want this recipe. —Elaine Grimme, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

What did I do when I couldn't decide between two of my favorite desserts? Combined them! These blondie and snickerdoodle bars are even better with my other favorite ingredient: caramel. —Niki Plourde, Gardner, Massachusetts

I’m a special ed teacher, and we bake these bars in my life skills class. It’s an easy recipe that my special-needs students have fun preparing. —Jennifer Peters, Adams Center, New York

My boys went through a phase where they loved Butterfingers. We made Butterfinger shakes, muffins, cookies and experimented with different bars; this one was voted the best of the bunch. Make sure you have an extra candy bar on hand because it’s hard to resist a nibble or two while you’re chopping. —Barbara Leighty, Simi Valley, California

My family and I love apples any time of the year, but right now they are crisp, juicy and absolutely perfect! I found a blondie recipe similar to this and did a little bit of tweaking to make it our own. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

I’ve had recipes for chocolate chip cookies and pecan meringues in my collection for a number of years—and I combined them to make these bars! They’re a lovely addition to any cookie tray. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

When asked to bring a dessert for my boys' football team to share, I whipped up these unique blondies and was instantly named "the greatest mom" by all. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

Put a stack of these beauties out at a potluck, and you’ll find only crumbs on your platter when it’s time to head home. Everyone will be asking who made those scrumptious blondies, so be sure to bring copies of the recipe! —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Food Editor

Any time is the perfect time to indulge in these ooey-gooey, salty-sweet peanut butter bars. A lot of people comment that the pretzels in the filling are a pleasant surprise. Just make sure to cut cookie bars small—they’re super rich. —Megan Behr, Marion, Iowa

I converted these blondies to be gluten-free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were really craving brownies one night, and this cakelike treat hit the spot! —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York

My shortbread squares are the ultimate go-to for cookie trays and gift-giving. The buttery caramel and toasted nuts make it tough to eat just one. —Diana Ashcraft, Monmouth, Oregon

Cinnamon chips and a maple glaze add fabulous flavor. When I make these, the kitchen smells like Christmas. The glaze fancies them up a bit. —Lyndi Pilch, Springfield, Missouri

My family just loves these chewy chocolate and peanutty bars. They're perfect for dessert and snacks. I make them whenever I get a craving for something sweet and special. —Diane Bradley, Sparta, Michigan

A very long time ago, when I was a child, I decided that chocolate and raspberries were a combination made in heaven and that any treat made with these two delicious ingredients would be at the top of my list. Any seedless jam or preserves may be used, but raspberry is our favorite. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Convenient cake mix hurries along the preparation of these tasty bars. I bring these quick-and-easy treats to church meetings, potlucks and housewarming parties. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy some at home. —Kimberly Biel, Java, South Dakota

We’re all so busy and pressed for time that I find myself creating recipes that are generally fast to prepare, proving that you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to obtain fabulous results. Here’s a favorite of mine that combines crunchy M&M’s and gooey chocolate all nestled into a flavorful blondie.—Averie Sunshine, San Diego, California

Oatmeal, peanut butter and chocolate chips make these bars a big hit with kids of all ages. Since I always have these basic ingredients on hand, I can whip up a batch anytime. —Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, Iowa

These rich, gooey bars are my most-requested treats. They’re popular at school functions, family barbecues and picnics. We like them alone or topped off with a scoop of ice cream. —Betty Hagerty, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania