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    Home > Roundups

    12 Bakery Bars and Brownies From My Shop to your Kitchen

    Published: Oct 2, 2026 by Helen S Fletcher · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Bars and brownies were always some of the most popular items at the bakery. They are easy to make, easy to cut, and can be dressed up or kept simple depending upon the occasion. Best of all, one pan makes enough to share, take to a picnic, serve for dessert, or keep on hand for when something sweet is needed. There is a little bit of everything here.

    Spritz bars are easier than the cookies and every bit as good.

    Spritz Bars - Easier than the Cookies

    The Spritz Bars are every bit as good as the cookies they just go together a lot faster.. For something quick, the No Bake Peanut Butter Bars fall into the ridiculously easy category. The Snickers Brownies are perfect for getting kids into the kitchen, and the Millionaires Shortbread are an old-fashioned favorite that never goes out of style. Love Samoa Cookies? I have a Samoa Bar- so simple!. Whether you like your brownies fudgy, spiced, swirled with cream cheese, or topped with a glaze, there is a recipe here for you. Make one once and I’m sure it will find its way onto your favorites list.

    Simple Samoa Bar Cookies

    Simple Samoa Bar Cookies give you all the flavor of the classic Girl Scout cookie without the fuss of shaping and assembling individual cookies. I love the melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust, foolproof caramel loaded with toasted coconut, and chocolate-dipped bottoms—and each bar is the equivalent of at least two cookies. 

    Simple Samoa Bar Cookies

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    Santa Fe Brownies

    These are one of the finest brownies I have ever made. We sold so many of these at the bakery that we often made 12 pans at a time, and sometimes had to do it twice in one day. The swirled brownie and cream cheese layers make them stand-out brownies indeed. 

    Santa Fe Brownies

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    Strawberry Brownies

    Looking for something a bit different in a brownie? These Strawberry Brownies are chewy in the middle, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with strawberry flavor from the buttercream and chocolate glaze. They slice cleanly, travel well, and are ideal for parties or just because. 

    Strawberry Brownies

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    Simple Salted Peanut Chews

    Simple Salted Peanut Chews are an old-fashioned, peanut-lover’s treat that come together in minutes and disappear just as quickly. Whether you call them candy, bars, or cookies, their sweet-and-salty crunch makes them an easy choice when you need something homemade without spending all day in the kitchen. 

    Simple Salted Peanut Chews

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    Mexican Chocolate Brownies

    These irresistible Mexican Chocolate Brownies are easy enough to make on the spur of the moment. Cinnamon and cayenne pepper add warmth and a kick of flavor to the deep chocolate brownie. Top them with the Hot Honey Ganache to take them to another level. 

    Mexican Chocolate Brownies

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    Updating Millionaires Shortbread

    Millionaire’s Shortbread is my updated take on the classic, indulgent combination of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and chocolate. I added a crunchy element to the caramel, along with a touch of heat and salt in the chocolate, for a bar that feels familiar but tastes especially memorable. 

    Updating Millionaires Shortbread

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    No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

    These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars fall into the ridiculously easy category. A chocolatey crust, smooth and creamy peanut butter filling, and just-right chocolate top make these one of the best bars around. If you love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this is a much better version you'll love. 

    No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

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    Spritz Bars Easier Than The Cookies

    Spritz Bars are my faster, easier take on classic Spritz cookies, with the same buttery flavor in a simple bar form. I dress them up with crunchy Swedish pearl sugar that stays bright white in the oven, then finish them with a drizzle of chocolate for a bakery-worthy treat. 

    Spritz Bars Easier Than The Cookies

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    Cocoa Brownies In No Time Or A Little Time

    Cocoa Brownies In No Time Or A Little Time changed my mind about baking brownies with cocoa instead of melted chocolate. Instead of butter, the oil keeps the brownies moist and they go together in a snap!

    Cocoa Brownies In No Time Or A Little Time

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    Quick Easy Versatile Rugelach Bars

    These Quick Easy Versatile Rugelach Bars deliver all the flavor of the classic cookie in a much simpler, slice-and-share form. I sandwich a jam, walnut, cinnamon, and sugar filling between two easy-to-roll pastry layers, and the filling can be changed up with any smooth jam and nut you like. 

    Quick Easy Versatile Rugelach Bars

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    Spice Bars A Gift From Bourke Street Bakery Down Under


    These Spice Bars have a buttery, toffee-flavored base topped with a tender, moist spice cake that is surprisingly easy to make. I love that one mixture does double duty—press some into the pan, stir a few additional ingredients into the rest, and pour it over the top. Don’t let the generous pepper and spices scare you; they’re beautifully balanced in every bite. 

    Love Bars A Gift From Bourke Street Bakery Down Under

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    Snickers Brownies

    Although really easy, these fudgy Snickers Brownies are sure to become a favorite. A whisk, a bowl, and a few measuring utensils yield a bonanza of brownies, making them great for getting kids into the kitchen. If you don't have a food processor, simply chop the candy bars by hand. 

    Snickers Brownies

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    One last note. Cut the bars in half and the squares on the diagonal to have bite size treats or petit fours. We did it all the time at the bakery!

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    Hi, I'm Helen! Being a self-taught baker and owning a bakery for over 25 years, I found many ways to make baking more successful and less intimidating. Even busy people can bake as in many cases, recipes can be done over days. The goal is to make your baking life easier, more enjoyable, with great outcomes on a consistent basis.

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