Indulge in the festive spirit with our Eggnog Toffee Twix Popcorn Cookie Bars recipe! These delectable treats combine the rich flavors of eggnog, toffee, and Twix bars with the crunchy goodness of popcorn, all nestled within a chewy chocolate chip cookie dough crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Join us as we dive into the delightful world of holiday baking with this irresistible recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow cream
- 1 package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 3 cups air-popped popcorn (either plain or lightly salted)
- About 6-8 miniature Twix bars, chopped
For the Topping:
- 1/2 package vanilla Candiquik or almond bark
- 1/4 teaspoon rum extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- About 1/2 cup toffee bits
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Cookie Dough: Press the refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Add Marshmallow Cream: Spread the marshmallow cream over the cookie dough crust, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.
- Sprinkle Nutmeg: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg over the marshmallow cream layer for a hint of festive flavor.
- Add Popcorn and Twix Bars: Sprinkle the air-popped popcorn and chopped Twix bars over the marshmallow cream layer, pressing them gently into the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookie dough is golden brown and the marshmallow cream is lightly toasted.
- Prepare Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the vanilla Candiquik or almond bark according to the package instructions. Stir in the rum extract and cinnamon until well combined.
- Drizzle Topping: Drizzle the melted vanilla Candiquik or almond bark mixture over the baked cookie bars. Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the top.
- Chill and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the topping. Slice into bars and serve.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can add additional marshmallow cream or sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving.
- Use Homemade Cookie Dough: Feel free to use homemade chocolate chip cookie dough instead of the refrigerated version for a more personalized touch.
- Add Extracts: Experiment with different extracts to enhance the flavor of the cookie bars. Peppermint, almond, or maple extract can all add a delicious twist to this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use microwave popcorn instead of air-popped? A: Yes, you can substitute microwave popcorn for air-popped if desired. Just be sure to use plain or lightly salted popcorn to avoid overpowering the other flavors in the recipe.
Q: Can I make these cookie bars in advance? A: Absolutely! These cookie bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply slice them into bars before serving.
Q: Can I omit the rum extract? A: Yes, if you prefer not to use rum extract, you can omit it from the topping mixture. Alternatively, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a classic flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for a keto diet due to its high sugar and carb content. However, you can try making a keto-friendly version by using almond flour-based cookie dough, sugar-free marshmallow fluff, and dark chocolate chips sweetened with stevia.
- Low-Carb Version: To make a lower-carb version of these cookie bars, you can reduce the amount of marshmallow cream and toffee bits used. Opt for a lower-carb popcorn alternative or omit it altogether.
Treat yourself to the ultimate holiday indulgence with our Eggnog Toffee Twix Popcorn Cookie Bars. With layers of creamy marshmallow, crunchy popcorn, and decadent toppings, these bars are a true delight for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a festive dessert or a sweet snack, these irresistible treats are sure to spread joy and cheer to all who indulge. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season with every delicious bite of these delightful cookie bars!
