Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! These Candy Bar Cookies are the perfect answer – a delightful blend of chewy cookie base and a delightful explosion of your favorite candy bars. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking projects, or impressing your friends with homemade goodies. Get ready to dive into a world of chocolatey, nutty, and perfectly sweet deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups of your favorite chopped candy bars (e.g., Snickers, Milky Way, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, etc.)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Make the dough:
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious!
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Add the candy:
- Gently fold in the chopped candy bars. Make sure they're distributed evenly throughout the dough for consistent deliciousness in every bite.
Bake the cookies:
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Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. They will spread as they bake.
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Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Cool and enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Candy Bar Cookie Perfection:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. This will ensure that it creams properly with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined and then stop.
- Candy Bar Variety: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of candy bars! The possibilities are endless.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the cookies to cool completely before storing helps them to retain their texture.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or peanuts) to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Overload: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of decadence.
- Seasonal Candy: Use holiday-themed candy bars for festive treats.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (This will vary greatly depending on the type and amount of candy bars used).
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
These Candy Bar Cookies are a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. They're a great option for quick dinner ideas or simply a delightful homemade treat. Enjoy baking and savor every bite!