Snickers Cookies Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love combining the crunch of peanuts, the creaminess of caramel, and the richness of chocolate all in one delightful treat, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Snickers Cookies Bars Recipe. These bars are a magnificent twist on the traditional Snickers candy bar, with a buttery shortbread base that perfectly balances the gooey caramel, roasted peanuts, and luscious melted chocolate on top. They are incredibly satisfying, easy to whip up, and absolutely irresistible — the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the magic starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s lending richness, crunch, or that melt-in-your-mouth softness that keeps you reaching for just one more bite.

• Unsalted butter (⅔ cup, 151 grams): The backbone of the shortbread crust, offering richness and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup, 50 grams): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the salty peanuts and caramel.
• All-purpose flour (1¼ cups, 150 grams): Provides structure to the cookie base, creating that perfect crumbly texture.
• Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, 4 grams): Adds warmth and depth to the shortbread layer.
• Baking caramels (11 ounces, 312 grams): The luscious centerpiece that melts into gooey perfection.
• Heavy cream (¼ cup, 57 grams): Helps melt the caramels into a smooth, decadent sauce.
• Dry roasted unsalted peanuts (1 cup, 142 grams): Offers that signature crunch and nutty flavor.
• Milk chocolate chips (12 ounces, 340 grams): The crowning glory that blankets the bars with sweet, melty chocolate.

How to Make Snickers Cookies Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep ensures your bars come out looking flawless and ready to impress.

Step 2: Create the Shortbread Crust

Using a hand mixer, combine the butter, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns crumbly and fully blends. This shortbread mixture is the delicious foundation of your Snickers Cookies Bars Recipe, delivering that much-loved buttery bite that supports all the other layers beautifully.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Press the crumbled shortbread evenly into the bottom of your lined baking dish. Bake it for about 20 minutes, allowing it to turn a lovely light golden color, which signals the perfect crumbly texture and deep, buttery flavor waiting underneath all that caramel and chocolate.

Step 4: Cool Your Base Slightly

Once baked, take your shortbread crust out of the oven and let it cool just enough so you can work with the caramel without melting the base or leaving your bars soggy. Patience here is key to maintaining texture contrast later on.

Step 5: Make the Gooey Caramel Layer

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the baking caramels and heavy cream. Heat in two-minute increments, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted and creamy. Stir in the dry roasted peanuts, then pour this gorgeous caramel mixture evenly over your cooled shortbread crust. Use a spoon to spread it carefully — this layer creates that signature gooey snap that makes this bar unforgettable.

Step 6: Let It Set

Allow the caramel layer to cool for at least 10 minutes. This cooling step helps the caramel to thicken slightly, preventing it from mixing too much with the melted chocolate and keeping each layer beautifully distinct.

Step 7: Melt the Chocolate Topping

Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is smoothly melted and luscious. This glossy chocolate finish is what elevates your Snickers Cookies Bars Recipe into something truly decadent.

Step 8: Add the Chocolate Layer

Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel and peanut topping. Spread it with a spatula or the back of a spoon so every corner gets a thick coat of rich chocolate goodness. This final layer seals in all that caramel and peanut magic underneath.

Step 9: Cool Until Set

Let the whole pan cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens completely, about 2 hours. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. Once set, slice your Snickers Cookies Bars into squares and get ready to savor every bite of this dreamy treat.

How to Serve Snickers Cookies Bars Recipe

Garnishes

While these bars are stunning on their own, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets can add an exciting contrast to the sweetness. You can also drizzle a bit of extra melted peanut butter or dark chocolate for added visual appeal and flavor layers that impress every time.

Side Dishes

Pair your Snickers Cookies Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, cut these bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with decorative nuts and chocolate shavings sprinkled around. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper or placing them in mini cupcake liners makes for charming, mess-free serving options perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain that perfect chewy and crunchy texture, avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these Snickers Cookies Bars Recipe delights later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

For a warm, gooey treat, gently heat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings the chocolate and caramel layers to life without losing their structure, delivering a melty, dreamy texture every time.

FAQs

Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! Salted peanuts add a nice savory touch that complements the sweet caramel and chocolate beautifully. Just be mindful when adding additional salt in the shortbread base if you use salted nuts.

What can I substitute for baking caramels?

If you don’t have baking caramels, soft caramel candies from the store work well too, or you can make your own homemade caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Yes! Dark chocolate offers a more intense, bittersweet contrast to the sweet caramel and peanuts, making the bars a bit less sweet but just as delicious.

How thick should I press the shortbread base?

Press it evenly so it’s about ¼ to ½ inch thick; this ensures the base is sturdy enough to hold the toppings without being too dense or too crumbly.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend and make sure the other ingredients are gluten-free certified for safe enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Making this Snickers Cookies Bars Recipe is like creating a little slice of dessert heaven right in your kitchen. The fusion of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and silky chocolate is truly something special that anyone will adore. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do — it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorites in no time!

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