Amazing Candy Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe

November 24, 2025 by Emily

I’ve always had a soft spot for candy, and who can resist a good cookie? That’s why I’m beyond excited to share my Candy Cookie Bars recipe with you! These bars are the perfect blend of chewy cookie goodness and sweet, melty candy.

From start to finish, including cooling time, you’re looking at about an hour, making them ideal for a weekend treat or a fun baking project. This recipe will be your new favorite way to use leftover candy!

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Super easy to make with simple ingredients.
Perfect for using up leftover Halloween candy.
Endless customization options to suit your taste.

½ cup butter ((softened))
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar ((packed))
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour\*
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup chocolate chips
25 Miniature Reese’s Cups ((or 9 full size – or any other candy of your choosing)!)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Ingredient	Role in Recipe	Substitution Options
All-Purpose Flour	Provides structure	Gluten-free blend, whole wheat flour (may need more liquid)
Butter	Adds flavor and richness	Margarine, coconut oil (for a vegan option)
Sugar	Sweetness and moisture	Honey, maple syrup (adjust liquid accordingly), sugar substitutes
Eggs	Binding and leavening	Applesauce, flax egg
Vanilla Extract	Adds flavor	Almond extract, maple extract
Chocolate Chips	Adds chocolate flavor	Different types of chocolate chips (milk, dark, white), chopped nuts
Reese’s Cups	Adds peanut butter and chocolate flavor	Other candies, chopped nuts, pretzels

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, line a 9×9” baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift the bars out later. Set the pan aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside.
In the bowl of a standing mixer, cream together ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup light brown sugar (packed), and ½ cup granulated sugar until well combined. This creates a light and fluffy base for the cookie bars.
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the butter/sugar mixture and beat until combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and beat until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add 1 cup chocolate chips and mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you are a big chocolate chip cookie fan, check out this recipe for The Ultimate, Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Press a little less than half of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, leaving about a ½ inch gap between the cookie dough and the side of the pan. The dough expands during baking, so this prevents it from overflowing.
Place 25 Miniature Reese’s Cups (or 9 full size, or any other candy of your choosing!) evenly spaced on top of the first layer of dough.
Top with the remaining cookie dough, making sure to completely cover the candy on both the top and sides. This seals the candy inside the cookie bars.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes. This allows them to set properly. Use the parchment paper to lift the cookie bars out of the pan, then cut into squares and serve.

I’ll be adding photos and videos soon to make these steps even easier to follow!

When it comes to choosing candy, compatibility is key. Candies that melt well, like chocolate bars, create a gooey, delicious center. Candies that hold their shape, such as caramels or peanut butter cups, add a nice textural contrast.

Candies like sprinkles can add interesting textures. However, I’d avoid hard candies, as they can be difficult to chew once baked. I like candies that complement the cookie dough base.

Thinking of more fall dessert options? Why not try this Amazing Apple Cider Cookies For Fall Baking recipe?

Peanut butter cups with a chocolate chip cookie dough are a classic for good reason.
Snickers with a caramel swirl cookie dough offer a rich and complex flavor profile.

Chilling the dough before baking can prevent the bars from spreading too thin.
Using a plastic knife to cut the bars can help prevent the candy from crumbling.
Freezing the bars briefly before cutting can also make cleaner cuts.

Bars are burning on the edges but still doughy in the middle? Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees and bake for a longer time.
Bars are sticking to the pan even with parchment paper? Make sure you’re greasing the parchment paper in addition to lining the pan.
How do I prevent the candy from sinking to the bottom? Make sure the dough is thick enough to support the candy. Chilling the dough can also help.

Variation	Dough Base	Toppings	Mix-Ins
Brownie Candy Bar	Brownie batter	Chocolate ganache	Walnuts, pecans
Peanut Butter	Peanut butter dough	Peanut butter cups	Pretzels
Sugar Cookie	Sugar cookie dough	Sprinkles, frosting	White chocolate chips

These bars are delicious on their own, but I especially like pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Also, consider serving these alongside other options in the treats & drinks category!

Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They may become slightly softer over time, but they’ll still taste great.

Yes, you can! Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when cookie bars are done?

The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.

Can I use any candy in this recipe?

Most candies work well, but avoid very hard candies.

Will cookies harden as they cool?

Yes, they will firm up as they cool.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking pan.

When should I add the chocolate candy bars?

Add them in the middle, between the two layers of cookie dough.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Yes, I encourage it!

Do I have to brown the butter?

No, softened butter works just fine for this recipe.

How do I know it’s ready?

Look for a golden brown color and set edges.

Can I add any chocolate bars?

Yes, go crazy!

Conclusion

These Candy Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat: easy to make, endlessly customizable, and utterly delicious. The combination of chewy cookie and melty candy is simply irresistible. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own! I’d love to hear what candy combinations you use! Please leave a comment below with any questions or share your results. Happy baking!

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Emily