Loaded Candy Cookie Bars

Indulging in the delightful world of desserts is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and nothing captures that joy quite like Loaded Candy Cookie Bars. These bars are a luscious combination of chewy cookie texture, creamy chocolate, and delightful bursts of flavor from various candies. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat, these bars can transform any ordinary day into a festive celebration. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Why Cooks Rave About It

Loaded Candy Cookie Bars are not your typical cookie. The layers of flavors and textures create a unique experience with each bite. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet marshmallows, and crunchy candy makes these bars a hit among both kids and adults. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them based on your favorite candies. Plus, with a simple preparation method, you can whip them up quickly, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or satisfying your sweet tooth.

What You’ll Gather

To make your own Loaded Candy Cookie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped Cadbury Mini Eggs (Royal Dark or Milk Chocolate)
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate, coarsely chopped

Tools & Equipment Needed

To create these delectable cookie bars, gather the following tools:

• Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To mix the batter thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking pan (9×13 inches): The perfect size for your cookie bars.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
• Oven: To bake your delicious bars to perfection.

From Start to Finish: Loaded Candy Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Loaded Candy Cookie Bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and coarse salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the three large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough bars.

Step 7: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chopped Cadbury Mini Eggs, 3/4 cup of miniature marshmallows, 3/4 cup of dark chocolate chips, and 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped white chocolate. This is where the magic happens, as these ingredients will create the loaded effect!

Step 8: Pour into the Baking Pan

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.

Step 9: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the remaining chopped Cadbury Mini Eggs, miniature marshmallows, dark chocolate chips, and white chocolate on top of the batter. This will create a deliciously indulgent topping once baked.

Step 10: Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 11: Cool and Cut

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out onto a cutting board. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

If you’re looking for vegan or vegetarian alternatives, consider these swaps:

• Use plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter.
• Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
• Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallows.

Slip-Ups to Skip

To ensure your Loaded Candy Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Don’t skip the room temperature butter—this helps achieve a creamy texture.
• Resist the urge to over-mix the batter, as this can make the bars tough.
• Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick; underbaking can lead to gooey centers.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To keep your Loaded Candy Cookie Bars fresh and delicious:

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw them at room temperature before indulging.

Loaded Candy Cookie Bars Q&A

Can I use different types of candy?

Absolutely! You can customize your Loaded Candy Cookie Bars with any of your favorite candies, such as M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or even dried fruit for a different twist.

Why did my bars turn out too crumbly?

Crumbly bars usually indicate that there was too much flour added or not enough wet ingredients. Make sure to measure accurately and follow the recipe closely.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This will help maintain the integrity of the loaded layers.

If you enjoyed making Loaded Candy Cookie Bars, you might want to try these delicious recipes next:

See You at the Table

Now that you have the recipe for Loaded Candy Cookie Bars at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking. Whether you’re treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack or bringing a batch to a friend’s gathering, these bars are sure to delight everyone. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and remember: the best memories are often made around the table, especially when there are delicious treats involved!