There’s something irresistible about combining the gooey goodness of candy bars with the warm comfort of freshly baked cookies. Our Candy Bar Cookies recipe takes this beloved duo to the next level by blending rich chocolate, caramel, and nuts into every bite. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or impress guests, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Candy Bar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped candy bars (use a mix of chocolate, caramel, and nut-filled bars)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, we suggest walnuts or pecans for crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in the chopped candy bars, chocolate chips, and nuts, distributing them evenly to get a rich, flavorful bite in every cookie.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set without breaking.
Baking Details and Tips
| Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 350°F (175°C) | — | Use convection if available |
| Bake cookies | 350°F (175°C) | 10-12 minutes | Edges golden, centers soft |
| Cooling on tray | Room temperature | 5 minutes | Prevents breakage on transfer |
| Cooling on wire rack | Room temperature | Until cool | Completes setting for perfect texture |
Sensory Experience
As we bite into these Candy Bar Cookies, we experience the perfect harmony of crunchy nuts, gooey caramel, and rich melted chocolate. The buttery cookie base balances the intense candy bar flavors, while the chewy texture ties all the elements together in a deliciously satisfying treat. These cookies not only satisfy chocolate cravings but also add a complex crunch and sweetness that makes every bite memorable.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Candy Bar Cookies, we gather all the essential ingredients that balance rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a buttery cookie base. Here’s what we need in precise measurements and preparations:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (for added moisture and depth)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for even texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups chopped candy bars (a mix of chocolate, caramel, and nuts for that signature crunch and gooeyness)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup | Softened at room temperature |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 3/4 cup | Adds moisture and richness |
| Large eggs | 2 | Room temperature |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups | Sifted for smooth batter |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Leavening agent |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Balances sweetness |
| Chopped candy bars | 3 cups | Combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts |
For the best results, make sure to chop your candy bars into bite-sized pieces to evenly distribute that decadent, gooey texture throughout the cookies. The blend of crunchy nuts and melted chocolate candy pieces is what makes our Candy Bar Cookies truly irresistible.
Equipment Needed
To create our Candy Bar Cookies with perfect texture and flavor, having the right equipment on hand is essential. Here is a list of the tools we need for a smooth baking process:
- Mixing Bowls: Use large and medium sized bowls for creaming butter, mixing dry ingredients, and combining the dough thoroughly.
- Electric Mixer: A stand or hand mixer helps us cream the softened butter with sugars until light and fluffy, ensuring the best cookie base.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements of flour, sugars, and leavening agents are critical for consistency.
- Sifter: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together for an even, lump-free mix.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding in chopped candy bars evenly.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: We need these to chop our candy bars into uniform bite-sized chunks to integrate the chocolate, caramel, and nuts throughout the cookies.
- Baking Sheets: Flat, rimmed baking sheets provide a stable surface for even baking and spreading.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Line baking sheets to prevent sticking and help cookies bake with crisp bottoms.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, transfer cookies here to cool evenly without moisture buildup.
- Cookie Scoop (optional): Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform dough balls which bake consistently in size and shape.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Combine wet and dry ingredients |
| Electric Mixer | Cream butter and sugars efficiently |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate measurement of ingredients |
| Sifter | Aerate and mix dry ingredients evenly |
| Rubber Spatula | Fold candies into dough, scrape bowls |
| Chef’s Knife | Chop candy bars into bite-sized pieces |
| Baking Sheets | Bake cookies evenly |
| Parchment Paper/Mats | Non-stick surface for baking |
| Cooling Rack | Cool cookies without sogginess |
| Cookie Scoop (optional) | Form uniform cookie dough balls |
Having this equipment ready helps us achieve the ideal Candy Bar Cookies with rich gooey centers and perfectly golden edges, every time.
Preparing the Dough
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor for our Candy Bar Cookies, preparing the dough correctly is essential. Let’s walk through the key steps to mix, cream, combine, and incorporate the candy bars seamlessly.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting together the following dry ingredients to ensure a uniform texture and to prevent clumps:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Sifting helps aerate the flour and evenly distribute the baking soda and salt. Set this mixture aside while we prepare the wet ingredients.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This process, about 2 to 3 minutes, is vital as it creates tiny air pockets which contribute to the cookie’s soft, tender crumb and rich flavor.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for that aromatic warmth.
Gradually incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed. Mixing gradually prevents overworking the dough which can lead to tougher cookies.
The dough should be thick, slightly sticky, but well combined.
Adding Candy Bars
Finally, fold in 3 cups of chopped candy bars. Use a good mix of chocolates, caramels, and nuts chopped into bite-sized pieces for even flavor and texture throughout the cookies.
Use a sturdy spatula to ensure each piece is evenly distributed without crushing the candy.
“Incorporating candy bars into the dough at the end retains their gooeyness and distinct texture while baking.”
Our dough is now ready to be scooped and baked into irresistibly rich Candy Bar Cookies.
Baking Instructions
Follow these precise steps to bake perfectly chewy and gooey Candy Bar Cookies that burst with chocolate, caramel, and nutty flavors in every bite.
Preheating the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even baking temperature from the start. Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for balanced heat distribution which helps achieve that ideal golden edge and soft center texture in our Candy Bar Cookies.
Shaping the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to portion the dough. Scoop about 2 tablespoons (approximately 30 grams) of dough per cookie. Roll it gently between your palms just enough to shape a round mound. Place each dough ball 2 inches apart on parchment-lined or silicone baking mats on your baking sheet. This spacing prevents cookies from merging as they spread during baking, preserving their individual crisp edges and gooey middle.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown but centers remain slightly soft. The table below summarizes optimal baking times based on cookie size:
| Cookie Size (Diameter) | Baking Time (Minutes) | Texture Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2-inch | 10 – 12 | Soft center, crisp edge |
| 1.5-inch | 9 – 11 | Slightly firmer center |
| 2.5-inch | 12 – 14 | Chewy with gooey middle |
For extra gooey centers, bake closer to 10 minutes; for slightly firmer cookies, bake toward 12 minutes.
Cooling the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer the baking sheet to a wire cooling rack. Let the cookies rest 5 minutes on the sheet to firm up as they cool slightly. Then, use a spatula to transfer them onto the wire rack to cool completely. Cooling this way prevents sogginess and ensures that the rich flavors from the chopped candy bars set beautifully, locking in that irresistible chewiness and texture contrast.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
To make our Candy Bar Cookies even more exciting, we can explore a variety of optional add-ins and customize the recipe with delicious variations. These tweaks allow us to tailor the cookie texture, flavor, and appearance to our preferences or occasion.
Nutty Boosts
For added crunch and richness, consider incorporating:
- Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds (1/2 to 1 cup)
- Toasted hazelnuts for a deep roasted flavor
Add these nuts along with the chopped candy bars to keep an even distribution of crunchy texture.
Flavor Enhancers
We can enhance the cookie dough with these tried-and-true flavor boosters:
| Add-In | Quantity | When to Add |
|---|---|---|
| Sea salt flakes | 1/4 teaspoon on top before baking | Sprinkle on cookie dough just before baking |
| Espresso powder | 1 teaspoon | Add to dry ingredients |
| Ground cinnamon or nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon | Add to dry ingredients |
| Orange or lemon zest | 1 teaspoon | Mix in with wet ingredients |
These ingredients intensify the chocolate and caramel notes, creating a deeper flavor profile.
Sweet Surprises
For more texture and bursts of sweetness, we suggest:
- Mini marshmallows folded into the dough (up to 1 cup)
- Shredded coconut flakes (1/2 cup) for a chewy tropical twist
- White chocolate chips or peanut butter chips (3/4 cup) to add layers of contrast
Incorporate these add-ins after folding in the candy bars, so they remain distinct in the cookie bite.
Cookie Base Variations
We can modify the cookie dough slightly for a different base:
- Use brown butter instead of softened unsalted butter for a nutty aroma
- Replace 1/4 cup of flour with oats for added chewiness and fiber
- Swap out vanilla extract for almond or peppermint extract for a unique flavor spin
Summary Table of Optional Add-Ins and Variations
| Category | Add-Ons | Suggested Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuts | Walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts | 1/2 to 1 cup | Adds crunch and texture |
| Flavor Enhancers | Sea salt flakes, espresso, cinnamon, zest | 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp others | Deepens flavor, balances sweetness |
| Sweet Surprises | Mini marshmallows, coconut flakes, chocolate chips | 1/2 to 1 cup | Adds chewiness and bursts of sweetness |
| Base Variations | Brown butter, oats, alternative extracts | As described | Changes cookie texture and flavor |
“Experimenting with optional add-ins lets us create signature desserts while preserving the iconic Candy Bar Cookies richness and gooey charm.”
By using these suggestions, we can easily customize our cookies to fit any mood or celebration while maintaining that perfect balance of crunchy nuts, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Candy Bar Cookies experience, we recommend serving them with a combination of complementary flavors and textures that enhance their rich chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes.
Serve Warm for Maximum Gooeyness
We suggest warming the cookies slightly before serving. Heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This step brings out the gooey centers and melts the chocolate chunks, creating an irresistible indulgence.
Pair with Beverages
Pairing Candy Bar Cookies with beverages helps balance the sweetness and underscores their rich flavor profile. Here are some classic pairings we love:
| Beverage | Pairing Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cold Milk | Cuts through richness providing a refreshing contrast |
| Hot Coffee | Adds bitterness that enhances chocolate and caramel complexity |
| Hot Chocolate | Intensifies the dessert experience with layered chocolate flavor |
| Chai Tea Latte | Offers warm spices that complement the nutty notes |
Presentation Ideas
Presentation enhances enjoyment. Here are a few ideas we find effective:
- Stack cookies on a rustic wooden board or elegant plate for a casual yet inviting display.
- Serve with ice cream for a decadent dessert featuring warm cookies paired with cold, creamy textures. Vanilla, caramel, or coffee ice cream works best.
- Add fresh fruit such as berries to cut richness and introduce fresh acidity.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted dark chocolate to add visual appeal and an extra flavor layer.
Storage and Serving Tips
To maintain the freshness and texture:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Rewarm before serving to restore softness and gooeyness.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature then warm slightly.
Storage Tips
To keep our Candy Bar Cookies fresh and delicious, following proper storage guidelines is crucial. Here are the best practices to preserve their gooey texture and rich flavor:
Storing at Room Temperature
- Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container.
- Layer cookies with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.
- Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days using this method.
Freezing for Longer Storage
- For extended storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour.
- Transfer frozen cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
- Frozen Candy Bar Cookies remain at peak quality for up to 3 months.
Reheating to Restore Gooeyness
- To enjoy cookies warm and gooey again, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for 10 to 15 seconds but watch closely to prevent overheating.
Storage Duration Summary
| Storage Method | Container Type | Duration | Temperature Range | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight container | Up to 5 days | 68°F to 72°F (20°C – 22°C) | Warm in oven 5-7 mins or microwave briefly |
| Freezing | Airtight/freezer bag | Up to 3 months | 0°F (-18°C) or colder | Warm in oven 5-7 mins |
“Proper storage is key to savoring our Candy Bar Cookies at their best—rich, chewy, and irresistibly gooey every time.“
By following these storage tips, we ensure every bite captures the perfect harmony of chocolate, caramel, and buttery cookie goodness that makes this recipe truly memorable.
Conclusion
Baking Candy Bar Cookies is a rewarding experience that brings together rich flavors and delightful textures in every bite. With the right ingredients and techniques, these cookies become a showstopper for any occasion.
Whether we stick to the classic recipe or experiment with add-ins, the result is always a warm, gooey treat that’s hard to resist. Keeping them fresh and enjoying them with your favorite beverage only adds to the pleasure.
Let’s keep baking and sharing these delicious cookies that bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Candy Bar Cookies?
Candy Bar Cookies are baked treats that combine cookie dough with chopped candy bars, creating a mix of chocolate, caramel, nuts, and buttery cookie flavors for a rich and gooey texture.
What ingredients do I need for Candy Bar Cookies?
You need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and a mix of chopped candy bars with chocolate, caramel, and nuts.
How do I achieve the perfect texture in Candy Bar Cookies?
Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy, sift dry ingredients, mix wet and dry carefully, fold in candy bars gently, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, and cool on a wire rack.
Can I customize Candy Bar Cookies with add-ins?
Yes, you can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, sea salt flakes, espresso powder, citrus zest, mini marshmallows, shredded coconut, or different chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
What equipment do I need to bake these cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a sifter, rubber spatula, chef’s knife, baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats, cooling rack, and a cookie scoop.
How should I store Candy Bar Cookies to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze with parchment layers for longer storage. Reheat gently to restore gooeyness before serving.
What’s the best way to serve Candy Bar Cookies?
Serve warm to enjoy gooey centers. Pair with cold milk, hot coffee, hot chocolate, or chai latte. Presentation options include stacking on rustic boards, serving with ice cream, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
Can I make variations in the cookie base?
Yes, try using brown butter or oats in the dough to achieve different flavors and textures while keeping the candy bar mix for gooey richness.
How do I prepare the dough correctly?
Sift dry ingredients, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, gradually mix wet and dry ingredients to avoid toughness, then gently fold in chopped candy bars.
How long and at what temperature do I bake Candy Bar Cookies?
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookie mounds spaced 2 inches apart for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the size, until edges are golden and centers remain chewy.