Loaded Candy Bar Cookies

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Perfect chocolate chip cookies are loaded with chopped candy bar mix-ins in these fabulously-fall Loaded Candy Bar Cookies.

When the time of candy collection has passed, many of us find ourselves with leftover bars and bags piling up in the pantry. You might wonder how to put it all to good use without simply going on a candy eating binge! That’s where these Loaded Candy Bar Cookies come in. This recipe transforms your candy stash into decadent, chewy cookies with gooey chocolate in every bite. I bartered the Trunk-or-Treat candy my kids collected last weekend to make these beauties, and I owe them some extra candy now. You can use whatever candy you love or have on hand, that's the best part about baking this recipe!

Whether you’re a fan of nougat, caramel, or crisped rice, every candy bar you add will bring a unique texture and flavor to these cookies, making each bite an exciting surprise. Let’s make them. 

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These Loaded Candy Bar Cookies are simple to make but packed with flavor. Here’s why they’re worth baking:

1. Perfectly Chewy and Soft: The combination of butter, brown sugar, and an extra egg yolk creates a perfectly chewy texture that’s soft in the middle with golden edges.
2. Customizable with Your Favorite Candy Bars: Use whatever candy bars you have on hand, from chocolate to peanut butter-filled, to make each cookie unique.
3. An Easy Way to Use Leftover Candy: Say goodbye to candy sitting in the pantry for months. These cookies are an easy solution to repurpose candy into something even better.
4. Fun for the Whole Family: Whether you’re baking solo or with kids, this recipe is simple and enjoyable, perfect for a fall weekend project.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salted Butter, softened to room temperature
• Brown Sugar of Choice, packed
• Granulated Sugar
• Large Eggs + 1 Large Egg Yolk
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• Baking Soda
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• All-Purpose Flour
• Chocolate Chips of Choice
• Candy Bars of Choice, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugars – In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla – Mix in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Whisk the dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped candy bars – Gently fold in the chocolate chips and candy pieces, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Portion the dough – Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
8. Bake the cookies – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft.
9. Cool the cookies – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these warm, gooey treats fresh from the oven, or save some to enjoy over the next few days!

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure the perfect texture and flavor, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter is softened and the eggs are at room temperature. This will help create a smoother, more uniform dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Space the Cookies: These cookies spread as they bake, so make sure to leave about 2 inches between each one to avoid them merging together.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients to balance the flavor.

2. Do I have to use a mix of candy bars?
No, you can use just one type if you prefer. However, mixing different kinds of candy bars adds layers of flavor and texture that make each cookie a little more fun.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, portion it into scoops, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

4. What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
No problem! You can use a spoon to portion about 3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, or a measuring tablespoon for a more accurate result. Just make sure they’re spaced evenly on the baking sheet.

I love providing gluten, dairy, and egg substitutions so that those with alternate dietary needs can enjoy my recipes to their fullest! These are subs that I have either used and continue to stock in my own home, or that have come highly recommended from others. I want your baking experience to be the best it can be, and avoiding gluten, dairy, and eggs shouldn’t hinder that process in the slightest. 

Dietary Substitutions

As always, here is a list of tried and true dietary substitutes, so that you can enjoy this recipe without the additions of gluten, dairy, and eggs.

Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour is a wonderful all-purpose sub, and it’s cup for cup, so use the same measurements as you would all-purpose flour. 

Miyokos butter is a plant based brick that closely resembles dairy butter not only in its look, but it’s taste as well. It melts, browns, and spreads just like real butter, and truly is a fantastic substitute in this recipe. Use it as a 1:1 ratio sub, same as the flour, so the recipe measurements will not change. 

Bob’s Red Mill also makes a wonderful Gluten Free Egg Replacer that would make these cookies fully vegan when used in conjunction with the dairy free butter. 

Enjoy Life makes a dairy free + allergen friendly semi sweet chocolate chip that would work great in this recipe.

When choosing candy mix-ins, choose brands that are dairy free and / or gluten free as desired.

Conclusion

These Loaded Candy Bar Cookies are the ultimate solution for the leftover candy stash you have on hand. Each bite is packed with gooey chocolate and the flavors of your favorite candies, making them an irresistible treat for all ages.

The recipe is easy to follow, with ingredients you likely already have at home. Plus, it’s versatile—mix and match your candy choices to create cookies that are uniquely yours. Whip up a batch for a cozy fall afternoon, or bring them to your next gathering as a fun and creative dessert.

Whether you’re using Snickers, Milky Ways, or even peanut butter cups, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your home. Enjoy the process, and get ready to indulge!

If you loved these loaded candy bar cookies, I’d be so grateful for you to leave a 5 star rating + review!

Tag @heathershomebakery on Instagram if you upload a pic too, because I want to see your creations. 😊

Lastly, post this recipe to any of your boards by tapping the Pinterest icon and clicking on your favorite photo. Save and enjoy.

Happy Baking!

XO,

Heather

PS: Try my Marbled Stuffed Nutella Cookies and my Molten Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cookies!