Thanksgiving Cookie Bars

Maple is a warm and cozy flavor that Haley Williams thinks Thanksgiving could use a lot more of, and we agree! That’s why we love her take on Betty’s classic Maple-Nut-Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

But maple isn’t the only thing this recipe brings to the table. By swapping Betty Crocker™ Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and adding dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the dough, Haley’s dessert has traditional seasonal flavors, with a dash of unconventionality tossed in for good measure.

Haley loves baking with cranberries during the holidays because they add a tart twist to her recipes. And these cookie bars are no exception! The oatmeal cookie mix also makes her bars extra chewy, which balances out the crunchy walnuts and chocolate chips. 

The sweet maple frosting tops this lovely dessert with a nice warmth—a from-scratch touch that is definitely worth the extra time. Haley does a wonderful job mixing in all the best flavors of the season, making her Thanksgiving Cookie Bars the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table!

Give this sweet treat a try and let us know how it goes! Leave a comment or ask us a question below. And if you’re hungry for a second helping of inspiration, check out what our other Makers are baking up this month.

Haley’s Tips

• If you like your bars extra chewy, remove them from the oven 2 minutes before they’re done so they remain slightly underbaked. Remember, they continue baking as they cool.
• Let the cookie bars cool completely before frosting. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt.
• Have fun and play around with the mix-ins! If you don’t have walnuts on hand, pecans would be a lovely addition. Raisins or dried currants are good substitutes for dried cranberries.

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