Candy Bar Cookies
Chewy, sweet, and crunchy candy bar cookies combine Cheerios, marshmallows, and chocolate for a delightful treat perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a special snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter an 8 x 8 x 2-inch or 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Heat butterscotch chips, corn syrup, margarine or butter, and vanilla in a 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butterscotch chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in cereal and miniature marshmallows until well coated.
- Press evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a spoon.
- Allow to cool.
- In a separate saucepan, heat shortening and milk chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the cereal in the pan.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Remove from refrigerator about 10 minutes before cutting.
- Cut into 2 x 1 1/4-inch bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting peanut butter chips for the butterscotch chips for a richer flavor. If you don’t have margarine, you can use coconut oil or an equal amount of butter. Ensure that the cereal is fully coated to achieve the best texture and flavor. If you want a more chewy texture, add more miniature marshmallows or a mix of different sizes.
Serving Suggestions
These Candy Bar Cookies are perfect for parties and can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Consider pairing them with a warm beverage like hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or as a sweet snack for movie nights.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Candy Bar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them. To serve, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier cutting and to enhance the chocolate's flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy Bar Cookies contains roughly 175 calories, with 1g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes, you can use other cereals like Rice Krispies or even granola for a different texture and flavor profile. Just make sure the cereal is not overly sweet to maintain balance with the butterscotch and chocolate.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Candy Bar Cookies gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free Cheerios or replace them with a gluten-free cereal alternative. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, making this a versatile option for those with dietary restrictions.
What can I do if I don't have shortening?
If you don’t have shortening on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of butter or coconut oil. This will slightly alter the texture but will still yield delicious results. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be a bit richer with butter.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).