My absolute favorite dessert in the entire world is cookies. It doesn’t even matter what kind- I won’t even turn down oatmeal raisin.
It can be hard to choose what kind of cookie to make sometimes, which is why these cookie bars are totally perfect. These cookies combine the sweet taste of chocolate chips and caramel with the salty taste of pretzels for the perfect flavor combination.
These Cookie Bars are so easy to make and are absolutely delicious! They’d make a great treat for bake sales, parties, holidays, or just because. Once you try them, you’ll have no problem coming up with reasons to make them again!
What’s the difference between cookies and cookie bars?
Cookie bars are different in a few ways. They’re thicker and usually a bit more dense- sort of like a mix between a cookie and a brownie.
They also go into the oven differently- with cookies, you put them in the oven already separated into individual cookies. Cookie bars bake like brownies, all together in one pan, then you cut them apart to serve them after they’ve cooled.
This flavor combination would be delicious on “regular” cookies too, but this recipe is not intended for that. The batter should be treated like brownie batter- if you put it in small dollops on a baking sheet it won’t work right and might make quite a mess.
Are these gluten-free/ vegetarian/ vegan/ peanut allergy friendly?
These cookie bars are not gluten-free, they use flour and pretzels. I am not trained in gluten-free cooking or baking, so I can’t give specific information for substitutions, but I am sure with a few easy ingredient swaps you could accommodate a gluten-free diet with these.
These cookies ARE vegetarian, but are not vegan {they contain eggs and butter, like most baked goods}.
As for peanuts, there aren’t any peanuts in the recipe but of course, always exercise caution when buying individual ingredients to check if they’re processed where peanuts are processed as well. None of the actual ingredients of this recipe include peanuts, however.
Can the Kids Help Make these Cookie Bars?
Kids can ALWAYS help in the kitchen! For this recipe, I’d suggest having them try by:
- Adding ingredients to the mixing bowls
- Whisking or using electric hand mixer
- Breaking up pretzels into small pieces
I’d also suggest that you help a little extra with anything having to do with the oven of course!
What Supplies Do You Need to Make Kitchen Sink Cookie Bars?
To make Kitchen Sink Cookie Bars, you’ll need:
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Hungry for More?
Want more delicious cookie recipes? Try these:
- Nutella Monster Cookies
- Coffee Infused Crinkle Cookies
- Pokeball Cookies
- Blue Crinkle Cookies
- Mummy Cookies
- Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Mint Chocolate M&M Cookies
- Coconut Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Red Velvet Cookies
Kitchen Sink Cookie Bars
These delicious cookie bars are basically a delicious sweet & salty combo that is a little bit cookie and a little bit brownie.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup caramel pieces
- ½ cup chopped pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to mix and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat to combine.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat to combine.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, caramel, and pretzels. Reserve a small amount of each ingredient for sprinkling on top of the cookie bars, if desired.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Top with reserved chocolate chips, caramel, and pretzel pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the center of the cookie bars is set.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 284Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 345mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 2gSugar: 31gProtein: 5g
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