Chocolate Cookie Bars (5 Layers)
Easy chocolate cookie bars recipe, composed of 5 layers and made with simple ingredients. These dessert bars are packed with cookies, caramel, chocolate, pecans and buttercream.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Chill time2 hours hrs
Total Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 32 Bars
Calories: 208kcal
- 1 package Refrigerated cookies ‘n’ creme cookie dough 16 oz, Pillsbury brand
- ¼ cup Cocoa powder
- 11 oz Caramel bits
- 8 tablespoon Heavy cream
- ¾ cup Pecans Roughly chopped
- 8 tablespoon Butter Unsalted
- 3 cups Powdered sugar
- 3 bars HERSHEY'S cookies 'n' creme candy 1.55 oz each
Heat oven to 350 degrees F
In a mixing bowl, crumble cookie dough and knead in cocoa powder until well mixed. Press evenly in bottom of an 8 inch square baking dish. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until set. Cool 20 minutes.
In a microwavable bowl, add caramel bits and 2 tablespoons of the whipping cream and heat uncovered on High 1 ½ to 2 ½ minutes. Be sure to stir every 30 seconds, until smooth.
Pour and spread caramel mixture evenly over cooled bar base.
Sprinkle with pecans. Cool about 20 minutes or until caramel is set.
In a microwavable bowl, microwave 6 tablespoons of the butter uncovered on High 30 to 40 seconds or until melted.
Beat in powdered sugar and remaining 6 tablespoons whipping cream until smooth and creamy.
Pour and spread evenly over pecans. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until set.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave candy bars and remaining 2 tablespoons butter uncovered on Medium (50%) 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Spread evenly over bars.
Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until center is firm.
Cut into 8 rows by 4 rows with a sharp knife. Enjoy!
- Cocoa powder is not the same as hot cocoa powder. Make sure you are using the correct powder.
- Please don't replace heavy cream with evaporated milk or half and half. I tried and it wasn't successful.
- Do not even attempt to cut slices until all the layers have completely set and become firm or else you will end up with a sticky crumbly mess.
- You can try other flavors of cookie dough for the base. They can be homemade from scratch too.
- Try other nuts instead of pecans for a different flavor profile such as walnuts or almonds or pistachios.
- Read additional tips and variations above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 57mg | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg