Indulge in Gooey Perfection: The Ultimate Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars Recipe
The long-awaited moment finally arrived last night: my six-year-old son had his very first flag football practice. After two previous cancellations, the anticipation had reached a fever pitch. He’d been counting down the days for what felt like an eternity, his excitement palpable – akin to the thrilling countdown to Christmas morning. Witnessing his enthusiasm for the sport brings me immense joy, yet I’m also grappling with a touch of parental nervousness. He dreams big, often envisioning himself as a star college football player for the Badgers. It’s an endearing aspiration, but it also highlights a unique dynamic in his young life. Academics, reading, and quickly grasping new concepts have always been his forte; he’s incredibly bright and thrives in intellectual pursuits. The thought of him striving to excel equally in both distinct areas, and the potential disappointment if one doesn’t meet his lofty expectations, weighs on my mind. I sincerely hope my worries are unfounded, and that he finds immense joy and success in whatever path he chooses. Regardless, my husband and I will be his most ardent cheerleaders, ready to support him every step of the way, and sign him up for every season he desires to play. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest lessons aren’t in winning or being the “best,” but in the joy of participation and the unwavering support from those who love you.
From Field to Feast: Discovering the Sweetness of Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars
Now, shifting gears from youth sports to something equally exciting, let’s talk about these incredible Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars. Perhaps you’ve spotted them trending on your social feeds, or maybe even caught a glimpse of their undeniable deliciousness on popular food blogs? My inspiration for these decadent bars came directly from Jenny at Picky Palate, who originally shared this irresistible recipe about a month ago. It seemed as though overnight, these glorious treats had taken over Pinterest, quickly becoming a must-try for any dessert enthusiast. The moment I saw them, I knew I HAD to recreate them in my own kitchen. A perfect opportunity arose when we had friends over a couple of weeks back. What better excuse to whip up a batch of something truly special? Knowing we’d have eight hungry guests, I decided to double the recipe, ensuring there would be plenty for everyone to enjoy, and, of course, a few precious leftovers for us to savor later!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Cookies and Cream Bars
From the very first bite, these Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars proved to be everything I had envisioned and more. The secret to their irresistible charm lies in a slight underbaking – a technique I wholeheartedly recommend. This ensures they emerge from the oven with that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth soft and delightfully gooey center. Imagine biting into a warm, fudgy bar, studded with crunchy Oreo pieces and creamy Hershey’s Kisses – it’s pure bliss!
The magic doesn’t stop there. One morning, I popped a leftover bar into the microwave for just 10 seconds, and it transformed, tasting as if it had just come fresh out of the oven. This quick trick is a game-changer for enjoying warm, fresh-baked goodness anytime. Beyond their incredible taste and texture, these bars also boast excellent freezer-friendliness. I frequently prepare baked treats in larger batches, freezing them individually. This way, I can easily grab one in the morning, pack it into my son’s lunchbox, and by lunchtime, it’s perfectly thawed and ready to be enjoyed as a sweet surprise. Their versatility makes them ideal for entertaining, a thoughtful gift, or simply a well-deserved indulgence.
Crafting Your Own Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to bake these heavenly cookies and cream bars yourself? This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of these crowd-pleasing treats ready in no time. Follow these instructions closely for the best results, ensuring that signature soft and gooey texture.
Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 12 Oreo, crushed
- 25 Cookies and Cream Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8 inch baking dish with foil, and spray with non stick spray.
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In an electric mixer bowl, combine butter, sugar and brown sugar. Beat for at least 2 minutes, until it is light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine. Fold in chocolate chips, and Oreo’s pieces.
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Press 1/3 of the dough into the prepared baking dish. Place 5 rows of Hershey’s Kisses onto of the dough. Gently press the remaining cookie dough over the top of the Kisses. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Tips for Perfect Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt), mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft ones.
- Underbake Slightly: As mentioned, baking for the shorter end of the recommended time (25 minutes) is key for that wonderfully gooey center. The bars might look slightly underdone in the middle, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Chill Your Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too sticky to press easily, cover it and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
- Evenly Crush Oreos: For the best distribution of flavor and texture, aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small chunks when crushing your Oreo cookies.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality butter and vanilla extract can significantly elevate the flavor profile of your bars.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for a smoother, more emulsified batter.
Variations to Try
While the classic Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars are divine, feel free to experiment with these fun variations:
- Different Kisses: Swap out the Cookies and Cream Hershey’s Kisses for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled Kisses for a unique twist.
- Add Nuts: For a textural contrast, fold in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it artfully over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to the top layer of dough before baking for holiday-themed treats.
Storing Your Cookies and Cream Bars
These bars store wonderfully! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, individual wrapping and freezing are your best bet. Frozen bars can last for up to 2-3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for that “fresh from the oven” experience.
A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a comforting dessert, these Double Cookies and Cream Kiss Bars are guaranteed to be a hit. They combine the classic flavors of chocolate and cookies and cream in a chewy, satisfying bar form that’s impossible to resist. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to be delighted by a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!