20 Awesome Cookie Bars

Chocolate Chip Blondies

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

Chewy Peanut Butter Pan Squares

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

Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars

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

Caramel Snickerdoodle Bars

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

Cinnamon Pecan Bars

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

Butterfinger Cookie Bars

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

Apple-Peanut Blondies

These blondies are mostly layers of apples, with a little bit of blondie mixed in, creating the perfect layered dessert. I started with a similar recipe and did a little bit of tweaking to make it our family's own. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Chocolate Chip & Pecan Meringue Bars

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

Snickerdoodle Blondie Bars

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

Chocolate Chunk Walnut Blondies

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

Behr Track Cookie Bars

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

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies

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! They're an enticing spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York

Salted Pecan Shortbread Squares

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

Maple-Glazed Cinnamon Chip Bars

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

Triple-Layer Cookie Bars

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

Raspberry & Chocolate Shortbread Bars

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

Can't Leave Alone Bars

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

Loaded M&M Oreo Cookie Bars

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 Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars

My family loves this peanut butter cookie bars recipe—oatmeal, brownie bars, peanuts—it's made from all our favorite things! 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

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Bars

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