Chewy, fudgy, and just a little little crunch– who can resist?!
These delectable cookie bars are simple to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to please a crowd. If you want to collect compliments at your next family gathering or social event, this is the recipe you need!
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a few more ingredients than your average chocolate chip cookie, but the creamy, chocolatey layer makes it well worth it. You may already have most of these on hand—and if not, everything is easy to find at any grocery store.
- 12 oz chocolate chips (1 bag)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 ¾-3 cups oats
Step by Step
Begin by making the fudge. Simply melt the butter, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt in a medium-small sauce pan. Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla. Then set aside.
Make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
Add the flour, salt, and baking soda, and mix until fully incorporated.
Stir in the oats until evenly combined.
Press three-fourths of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Pour the fudge mixture over the dough and spread it evenly with a spatula. Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
Bake for 12–18 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. The bars should look set but still soft—avoid overbaking for a chewy texture.
Let cool for about 15 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Making the fudge:
A double boiler works great, but I usually skip it for convenience. A small saucepan over medium-low heat melts everything just fine—quick and easy!
Mixing the dough:
A stand mixer with paddle attachments makes this dough come together beautifully. If you don’t have one, a wooden spoon and some elbow grease will do the trick.
Baking time:
Every oven is a little different. I recommend setting a timer for 10–12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, and watching closely until the tops are lightly golden. In some ovens, they’re perfect at 12 minutes; in others, they may need a few more.
Storing
These bars keep well at room temperature for 3–4 days in an airtight container or resealable bag. They can last longer, but the flavor and text start to diminish.
They also freeze beautifully for several months—perfect for a quick sweet treat whenever you need it.
The Best Chewy Fudgy Cookie Bar: JUMBLES
Created by Ashlynn
Servings: 40 squares
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Fudge Layer
- 12 oz chocolate chips (1 bag)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla
Cookie Base
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 1⁄2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 3⁄4–3 cups oats
Directions
1. Make the fudge layer:
In a medium saucepan over medium to medium-low heat, melt together the butter, chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Set aside.
2 Tbsp butter · 12 oz chocolate chips · 1 can sweetened condensed milk · 1⁄2 tsp salt · 2 tsp vanilla
2. Preheat the oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone mat or by greasing it lightly.
3. Make the cookie dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.
1 cup butter · 2 cups brown sugar
Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
2 eggs · 2 tsp vanilla
Add the flour, salt, and baking soda, and mix until fully incorporated.
2 1⁄2 cups flour · 1 tsp salt · 1 tsp baking soda
Stir in the oats until evenly combined.
2 3⁄4–3 cups oats
4. Assemble
Press three-fourths of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Pour the fudge mixture over the dough and spread it evenly with a spatula. Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
5. Bake
Bake for 12–18 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. The bars should look set but still soft—avoid overbaking for a chewy texture.
6. Cool and Serve
Let cool for about 15 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!
These are delicious! My family loved them!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!