Our Best Bar Cookies and Candies

By the Editors of Family Circle
November 23, 2008
No time for the rolling pin? These delicious bar treats are a cinch to make.
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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

Credit: Tina Rupp

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

Credit: Rita Maas

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

Credit: Alan Richardson

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

Credit: Alan Richardson

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

Credit: Alan Richardson

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

Credit: Alan Richardson

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

Credit: Rick Lew

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

Credit: Alison Miksch

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

Credit: Mark Ferri

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

Credit: Erik Rank

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

Credit: Alison Miksch

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.

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