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If you have a sweet tooth that’s always craving something truly irresistible, then this Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dessert. Imagine rich, buttery bars packed with crunchy chunks of Oreo cookies, luscious chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of colorful bits for that perfect festive touch. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and a satisfying crunch that makes these bars an absolute crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a cozy treat all on their own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that ensures richness to the brown sugar that adds a hint of caramel sweetness, every component contributes to this delightful dessert’s appeal.
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (melted): Provides a rich, creamy base and keeps the bars tender.
- 1 1/4 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a golden crust on the bars.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Gives a deep, molasses-like flavor and chewy texture.
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients and lends moisture for softness.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds extra richness and helps with tenderness.
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a comforting, fragrant note.
- 2 1/2 cups flour: The structure of the bars — ensuring they hold together perfectly.
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch: Keeps the bars light and soft, giving them that perfect crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough without getting cakey.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate throughout the bars for nostalgic richness.
- 16 Oreo cookies (chopped): The main star, adding that iconic crunch and flavor in every bite.
- 1/4 cup colored sprinkles: A playful, festive touch that makes these bars pop visually and add texture.
How to Make Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures when the batter is ready, your oven is at the perfect temperature to create that golden-brown crust and soft inside these bars are known for.
Step 2: Cream Together the Sugars and Butter
In a standing mixer, combine the melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Creaming them until well blended is key to creating a smooth batter that helps the bars turn out tender yet structured. The brown sugar also lends that irresistible chewiness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, blending well after each addition to ensure even moisture and richness. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor, making each bite comforting and sweet.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is important for balancing moisture and giving the bars the ideal soft yet sturdy crumb.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until everything comes together in a smooth batter. Then fold in the chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles for bursts of chocolate and festive fun throughout.
Step 6: Add Oreos and Bake
Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Press the chopped Oreo cookies into the surface, so each piece is nestled just right for maximizing those familiar crunchy surprises. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the bars cool completely. This resting time allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling. Then slice, serve, and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few Oreo crumbs or extra colored sprinkles on top right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce also beautifully complements the rich flavors in these bars.
Side Dishes
These Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe treats are fantastic on their own but can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to balance their sweetness with freshness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-size squares and serve them on a platter at parties for easy sharing. You can also layer them between wax paper in a decorative tin to gift to friends, making these bars not just a dessert but a heartfelt treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Oreo Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the bars soft yet maintains the crisp Oreo pieces without losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
For a warm, melty treat, gently reheat bar pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This revives the softness and intensifies the chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
While you can substitute with all granulated sugar, the brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor that makes these Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe extra special. Using only white sugar might yield a slightly drier and less chewy texture.
Do I need to use chilled butter or melted butter?
This recipe calls for melted butter, which creates a denser, fudgier bar texture compared to chilled butter. It helps the sugars incorporate smoothly and contributes to the bars’ soft yet slightly crisp quality.
Can I use mini Oreos or another kind of cookie?
Absolutely! Mini Oreos or other sandwich cookies work well depending on your flavor preference. Just chop them into pieces to get that delightful crunch throughout the bars.
How long will these bars stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe treats will stay fresh for about 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking a batch of this Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe and watching it bring joy to everyone who takes a bite. Soft, chewy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, these bars are delightfully simple to make yet impressive enough to serve anytime. Whether for a busy weeknight treat or a festive dessert, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll want to keep it in your collection forever.
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Oreo Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich, chewy Oreo Cookie Bars featuring a buttery base mixed with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, topped with crunchy chopped Oreos. Perfect for a fun dessert or a sweet snack, these bars combine the classic flavor of Oreos with a soft, cookie-bar texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Add-ins and Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 16 Oreo cookies, chopped
- 1/4 cup colored sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bars evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a standing mixer, combine the melted butter with the sugar and brown sugar until thoroughly blended, creating a smooth base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a well-emulsified batter. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, mixing to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Then fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles to add texture and color.
- Prepare Batter in Pan: Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Press the chopped Oreo cookies gently into the batter to embed them.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into 16 pieces. This cooling step helps the bars set for clean slices and optimal texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Ensure butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake them and allow residual heat to finish cooking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Adding chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch if desired.
