Gooey Oreo Cookie Bars
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that marries the rich, deep flavors of chocolate with the iconic crunch and creaminess of Oreos, look no further than these Gooey Oreo Cookie Bars. These treats are not just a dessert; they are an experience that combines a soft, chewy cookie base with bursts of white chocolate and chunks of Oreos throughout. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why It Works Every Time
The magic of these Gooey Oreo Cookie Bars lies in the combination of ingredients and their precise measurements. The use of Hershey’s Special Dark unsweetened cocoa powder gives a rich depth of flavor that elevates the cookie base, while the blend of brown sugar and granulated sugar provides the perfect balance of chewiness and sweetness. The addition of white chocolate chips adds a delightful creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy Oreo pieces. This recipe is foolproof; follow the steps carefully, and you’ll achieve cookie bars that are gooey, rich, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredient List
- 1/3 cup Hershey’s Special Dark unsweetened cocoa powder (regular unsweetened cocoa can be used if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 6 Oreo cookies, chopped
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect texture.
- Baking pan (8×8 inch): The ideal size for these cookie bars.
- Spoon or spatula: For mixing and spreading the batter.
- Oven: Preheat to ensure even baking.
Method: Gooey Oreo Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and develop that perfect gooey texture.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract and the large egg to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to remain tender.
Step 7: Fold in White Chocolate and Oreos
With a spatula, gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the chopped Oreo cookies. The batter will be thick, but that’s what makes these bars so gooey!
Step 8: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until everything is evenly distributed. This is what will give your bars that delicious gooeyness.
Step 9: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly underbaked (it will continue cooking as it cools).
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the edges of the parchment paper (if used). Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- Mint Oreo Cookie Bars: Substitute regular Oreos with mint-flavored Oreos for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars after baking for an extra touch of decadence.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Top with festive sprinkles to make these bars perfect for holiday gatherings.
Missteps & Fixes
- Batter Too Dry: If your batter appears too dry, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; the bars should be slightly underbaked in the center for maximum gooeyness.
- Sticking to the Pan: If not using parchment paper, ensure the pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- Uneven Texture: Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid tough bars.
Save It for Later
These Gooey Oreo Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, or you can refrigerate them for longer freshness. They also freeze beautifully; simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked warmth.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular unsweetened cocoa powder for the dark cocoa powder if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to replace the all-purpose flour in this recipe.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
You can use coconut cream or a homemade mixture of milk and sugar if you prefer a dairy-free alternative; just ensure it has a similar consistency.
Ready to Cook?
Get your ingredients ready and preheat that oven! These Gooey Oreo Cookie Bars are just a few steps away from becoming the highlight of your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for a weekday treat, these bars will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family alike. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!
Gooey Oreo Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and develop that perfect gooey texture.
- Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and flour. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and the large egg to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to remain tender.
- With a spatula, gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the chopped Oreo cookies. The batter will be thick, but that’s what makes these bars so gooey!
- Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until everything is evenly distributed. This is what will give your bars that delicious gooeyness.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly underbaked (it will continue cooking as it cools).
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the edges of the parchment paper (if used). Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store these bars in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.
- They freeze well; simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.
- Try mint-flavored Oreos for a different twist.
