33 Awesome Cookie Bar Recipes

From the Recipe Creator: "Our family loves to take drives, and I often bring these bars along for snacking in the car," relates Martha Haseman of Hinckley, Illinois.

From the Recipe Creator: When you bring these treats to a gathering, guests will be tempted to start at the dessert table. Chock-full of chocolate and walnuts, they will satisfy any sweet tooth. I often make a second batch just for my family.
-Jennifer Eilts, Central City, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: My chocolate chip cookie bars are often requested at church dinners. They’re tasty and easy to serve. —Barbara Witte, Irving, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: With only a few ingredients, these butter shortbread cookies are so simple to prepare. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire

From the Recipe Creator: Guests will never recognize the refrigerated crescent roll dough that goes into these almond-flavored bars. You can assemble these chewy coconut treats in no time. —Carolyn Kyzer, Alexander, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I have two sons, and I sent these peanut butter brownies to them regularly when they were in college. They told me that they used to hide a few from their roommates just to make sure there would be some left! —Patsy Burgin, Lebanon, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: With seven of us in our family, including two teenage boys, these peanut butter squares never last long! It's hard to believe how simple they are to prepare. —Deb DeChant, Milan, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I've been asked to share this marshmallow chocolate bar recipe more than any other in my collection. It's a longtime favorite of our three daughters. How many times we've all made these, I can't count. — Esther Shank, Harrisonville, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: What did I do when I couldn’t decide between two of my favorite desserts? I combined them! This snickerdoodle-blondie hybrid proved even better with caramel, always a favorite ingredient. —Niki Plourde, Gardner, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: We pull out all the goodies for these chewy bars, like raisins and coconut. For more color, sprinkle on the M&M’s once the bars are in the pan. Then press them in. —Connie Craig, Lakewood, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve put together two family cookbooks over the years, and this recipe ranks among my favorites. These special lemon bars have a yummy shortbread crust and a refreshing flavor. I never hesitate to make this dessert for guests since I know it will be a hit. —Margaret Peterson, Forest City, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It’s one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they’re so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: The holidays are 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

From the Recipe Creator: These cranberry cookie bars combine two beloved holiday flavors and top a delicious soft crust with cream cheese icing. We enjoy these during the holiday season. —Jennifer Blakely, Visalia, California

From the Recipe Creator: Folks who adore the classic cookies will enjoy that same beloved 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

From the Recipe Creator: I received this recipe from a special co-worker at school, and it is always a huge success when I make them. It works great to make them a day in advance. It will allow the bars to set and be cut easier.

From the Recipe Creator: I converted these blondies to be gluten free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: The flavor combination here reminds me of baklava—without the hours of work! These bars are perfect for holiday gifts, party platters and bake sales. They never fail to impress. —Anna Wood, Cullowhee, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: 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 (www.averiecooks.com)

From the Recipe Creator: My family just loves these chewy chocolaty 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

From the Recipe Creator: These chocolate oat bars are one of my favorite go-to snacks. I love that I usually have all the items on hand and can whip them up quickly. —John Kleckner, Muscoda, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba

From the Recipe Creator: These cake-like bars are packed with peanut butter and chocolate chips, and they are perfect for any occasion. Kids and adults alike are in for a treat with these gems. —Charlotte Ennis, Lake Arthur, New Mexico

From the Recipe Creator: I have to be super careful when cooking for my daughter because of food sensitivities, so I make these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars with certified gluten-free oats. Everyone loves these bars when we go to picnics or potlucks, and I know there will be a dessert for my daughter! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: These Oreo Rice Krispies Treats are chewy on the inside with a crispy, crunchy cookie top. Not only are they tasty, but the crumbled cookies make for a sweet presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I have to be super careful when cooking for my daughter because of food sensitivities, so I make these no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars with certified gluten-free oats. Everyone loves these bars when we go to picnics or potlucks, and I know there will be a dessert for my daughter! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Shh! Don't reveal the secret ingredient in this tender, chewy, old-time cookie until after they take a taste. This recipe will win over even those who think they don't like mincemeat.—Lucie Fitzgerald, Spring Hill, Florida.