Graduation Cookie Bars White Chocolate (Print version)

Chewy bars with chocolate chips and colorful candy, topped by a smooth white chocolate drizzle.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
05 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

→ Mix-ins and Toppings

09 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
10 - 1/2 cup colored candy-coated chocolates
11 - 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
12 - 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
13 - Optional: colored sprinkles for decoration

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang on sides for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
04 - Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
05 - Stir in chocolate chips and colored candy-coated chocolates until evenly distributed.
06 - Spread dough evenly into prepared baking pan.
07 - Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean.
08 - Remove from oven and cool bars completely in pan on a wire rack.
09 - Once cooled, combine white chocolate with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth.
10 - Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled bars using a spoon or piping bag. Add sprinkles if desired.
11 - Allow white chocolate drizzle to set completely. Lift bars from pan and cut into 16 equal squares.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're a one-pan situation that looks way more impressive than the effort it actually takes.
  • The colored candies turn them into an instant party vibe without any complicated decorating skills.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling the bars completely before drizzling—any residual heat will make the white chocolate pool and run instead of sitting prettily on top.
  • If your white chocolate seizes (becomes grainy and stiff), add a tiny bit more vegetable oil and whisk gently to bring it back.
03 -
  • Use a bench scraper or straight-edged knife to cut clean lines—wipe the blade between cuts to avoid dragging the white chocolate around.
  • If you want the bars extra fancy, let the first layer of white chocolate set, then drizzle a second layer on top for dimension and richness.
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