Our Best Bar Cookies and Candies
Raspberry Crumb Bars
A touch of fruit adds tang to these buttery bars.
Makes: 24 bars
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 22 minutes
Originally published in the November 18, 1997, issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Chocolate-PB Squares
The unbeatable combo of chocolate and peanut butter will be loved by kids and adults.
Makes: 48 squares
Prep: 45 minutes
Stand: 1 hour
Chill: 30 minutes
Originally published in the July 2007 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Dream Bars
These mile-high confections taste as impressive as they look.
Makes: 25 squares
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 42 minutes
Chill: at least 2 hours
Originally published in the January 2009 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Chocolate-Hazelnut Bars
30 minutes is all you need to make these delectable treats.
Makes: 2 dozen cookies
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 20 minutes
Originally published in the June 2005 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Lemon Diamonds
These tart and sweet treats are surefire crowd-pleasers.
Makes: 40 diamonds
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 40 minutes total
Originally published in the December 2004 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Ginger Cookie Sticks
Spicy and sweet, these cookie sticks are perfect for dipping.
Makes: 3 dozen cookies
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Originally published in the December 2003 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Ambrosia Bars
Food of the gods? We think these nutty-sweet bars qualify.
Makes: 2 dozen cookies
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 50 minutes
Originally published in the June 2005 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Marbled Berry Cheesecake Squares
These impressive-looking swirly sweets are just the thing when you're asked to bring dessert.
Makes: 2 dozen squares
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 42 minutes
Originally published in the April 1, 2004, issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Jam Bites
Personalize these tiny delights with your favorite fruit flavors.
Makes: 4 dozen cookies
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill: 20 minutes
Bake: 20 minutes
Originally published in the December 2003 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Mint Layered Bars
Each layer is sandwiched with mint jelly to maximize the cool wintry flavor.
Makes: 4 dozen bars
Prep: 20 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Bake: 25 minutes
Originally published in the November 29, 2005, issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Coconut-Spice Bars
These coconut treats start with a simple store-bought spice cake mix.
Makes: 32 bars
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Bake: 18-20 minutes
Originally published in the October 2003 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Key Lime Bars
The refreshing lime juice in these bars can be a nice departure from heavy holiday food.
Makes: 48 bars
Prep: 20 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Bake: 30 minutes
Originally published in the October 2003 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Dark Chocolate Butter Toffee
Decadent dark chocolate and buttery toffee make these a sure-to-please food gift.
Makes: 12 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Stand: 30 minutes
Originally published in the May 2004 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Almond Toffee
This toffee treat comes together with only five ingredients (check your pantry -- you might already have them all on hand).
Makes: 2 1/4 pounds toffee
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Stand: 30 minutes
Originally published in the November 1, 2007, issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Rich Cocoa Bars
The chocolate drizzle on these frosted confections makes them look totally pro.
Makes: 28 bars
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Originally published in the February 2001 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Candy-Topped Shortbread Bars
Kids love candies and cookies -- and they're sure to love the ultimate combination in these shortbread treats.
Makes: 20 bars
Prep: 20 minutes
Freeze: 15 minutes
Bake: 33 to 36 minutes
Originally published in the December 2006 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Spicy Walnut Bars
Butter-toffee walnuts stud these gorgeous bars.
Makes: 30 bars
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Originally published in the March 2007 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Peanut Blondies
These bars feature the easiest frosting ever; simply spread white-chocolate chips on the bars when they're fresh out of the oven.
Makes: 18 bars
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Originally published in the November 30, 2004, issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Two-Tone Brownies
Frosting lovers will devour these brownie delights, covered in cream cheese and chocolate icings.
Makes: 16 brownies
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Chill: 3 hours or overnight
Originally published in the January 2001 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Blondies
A scoop of vanilla ice cream with these warm blondies makes a comforting dessert for a chilly night.
Makes: 18 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 40 minutes
Originally published in the April 2001 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Charleston Cherry Bars
These bars are made for the holidays with festive red cherries as the star ingredient.
Makes: 24 bars
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Originally published in the December 2006 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Chocolate-Orange Bites
Chocolate and orange combine in these elegant treats, perfect with a cup of tea.
Makes: 48 cookies
Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Chill: 1 1/2 hours total
Originally published in the February 2000 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Holiday Stacks
Green glace cherries are the secret ingredient in layers of tender dough.
Makes: 30 bars
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 18 minutes
Chill: overnight
Originally published in the November 29, 2006, issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Striped Shortbread
A clever layering pattern is the secret behind these vanilla-and-chocolate shortbread cookies.
Makes: 3 1/2 dozen cookies
Prep: 25 minutes
Bake: 10 minutes
Chill: several hours
Originally published in the November 20, 2001 issue of Family Circle magazine.
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Ginger Shortbreads
Dipping a corner of these ginger treats in chocolate gives them an elegant finish.
Makes: 25 squares
Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 25 to 28 minutes
Originally published in the December 2001 issue of Family Circle magazine.