When I was a kid, my mom left me at one of her friend’s house after school, a lovely British lady who lived in the apartment building opposite mine. Her daughter was a year younger than me, and we became the best of friends from these afternoons of playing Barbies and watching Disney movies together.
There are some people who leave a strong impression on you from your childhood, and my friend’s mom is one of those people. She’s British, which naturally meant she was so much cooler than my own mom, and made the yummiest food (like Swamp Soup), which my mom didn’t have time to make. She’d take her daughter and I to swimming lessons at the local community, and then let us collapse in front of the TV since we just had to watch the newest episode of Two of a Kind when we came back.
These memories of my time spent at her house aren’t exactly profound or even all that exciting, but whenever I see her now, I’m reminded of my childhood and of the hours I spent without a care in the world. Even though I’m not a kid anymore, I still feel a sense of comfort and ease when I go to her house now. There aren’t very many places in the world, other than my own house, that I feel content and warm, and for that I’m so grateful.
I went to visit her a few days ago and made these marble cookie bars. After admiring her delectable cooking for years and trying so hard to copy it (she made the meringue cake that I tried and failed to make!), it was nice to make her something that she enjoyed. 🙂 So Farah Aunty, I hope you’re reading this and enjoy the recipe!
These bars are super easy; it’s a cookie recipe, but only in the shape of a bar. Crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside, these are swirled with chocolate chips and pecans, and are a nice, light snack. Check out the recipe and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cream your butters and sugars in a large bowl, and then add the egg and vanilla.
- Next, add the dry ingredients and mix well. Using a wooden spoon, add the chocolate chips and pecans in, making sure they're well incorporated.
- Press the batter into a pre-greased pan.
- Bake for 5 minutes and then remove from the oven. Take a butter knife and cut through the chocolate chips to create a marbled effect. Return to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Recipe inspired by Hayley at Domestic Rebel.
And there you have it! This is a really easy recipe, made all under half an hour, which is great, especially if you need to whip something up quickly. The pecans add a surprising crunch to the soft bars, and balance the semi-sweet chocolate chips out nicely.
Next time you need something quickly that tastes yummy and looks great, make these marble cookie bars. You won’t be sorry!
Thanks for reading,
Ikhlas
I’ve been meaning to make a chocolate chip cookie bar of sorts lately! you read my mind. love how EASY these are and the addition of pecans! i love cookie bars with all that texture 🙂
I remember you mentioning that bars are by far your easiest treat to make, and I must say, you’re SO right! One bowl and very little cleanup, plus no chilling dough or extra work. Gotta love ’em!
Ikhlas, these bars look fantastic!! Cookie bars are my fave thing ever and the marbled touch is just perfect 🙂 I’m so happy you had a wonderful woman in your life to leave a lasting impression, and I’m happy you also was obsessed with Two of a Kind haha. MKA for life!
Thanks Hayley! Your recipe was super easy and yummy to make! And yes, I still miss all those old Mary-Kate and Ashley shows 🙂
Okay….Now that I’m done my final course I have no more excuses not to make one of these delicious recipes! I’m debating between these cookie bars or those muffins you reposted today! They both looks super good!
Honestly, I’m torn right in the middle with you! They’re both crunchy and sweet and have nuts, so it’s tough!
But if I were honest with myself, I’d say the bars…lots and lots of chocolate!
I love ladies like that from when I was a kid! The “cooler” moms were always so…cool. I love these bars! That chocolate looks amazing!
Thanks, Dorothy! They are SO simple, I want to make them everyday!
I can attest to the fact that the Marble Cookie Bars were delectable because I think I ate most of them!
How wonderful that you have such cherished moments Ikhlas and I love that you feel so comfortable when you come over even now.
You know that you are ALWAYS welcome….
….just keep your feet off the coffee table 😉
(just kidding!)
I’m so glad you enjoyed them, Farah Aunty! 🙂 And yes, those hours spent at your house were the best 🙂