Bar cookies are the quickest of cookie types to assemble; they are just patted out into a large pan, baked, and cut into squares. They are easy to transport to parties and gatherings, and easy to eat. Off course there are hundreds, maybe thousands of variations of basic bar cookies, and a new favorite is the following Chewy Gooey Cookie Bars, with a chocolate base, gooey marshmallow in the middle, and a topping of crunchy rice cereal and chocolate. These are a chocolate lover’s dream.

One bonus: these keep for a week or two in an airtight container if there are any leftovers.

32 Bars

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa, preferably Dutch Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal such as Rice Crispies or Cocoa Crispies
3/4 cup salted peanuts, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9" x 13" baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until light. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
3. Measure the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt into a fine strainer set over the butter mixture and shake through; mix on low speed until combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with a few crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the top with the marshmallows and return to the oven for 5 minutes or until the marshmallows are puffed. Remove from the oven to cool.
6. Measure the chocolate chips and peanut butter into a microwave safe glass bowl. Microwave 2 minutes or until the chocolate chips are softened. Stir to combine. Stir in the cereal.
Spread over the cooled bars. Chill until set. Cut into 32 bars.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 225 Calories from Fat 99
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 44% Protein 7% Carb. 49%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Cholesterol 21 mg
Sodium 123 mg
Total Carbohydrate 28 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 5 g
Protein 4 g

Vitamin A 4% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 3%