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This Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July was kind of a difficult recipe to name….We really didn’t know what to call these! Maybe the word “loaded” is a better option? They are a chewy chocolate cookie bar but the pretzels add crunch and they are the ultimate decadent treat for the 4th of July – or really, anytime! These crack cookie bars are so rich and delicious!

Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July

This is a from scratch cookie bar recipe, which is a little more complicated than the box mixes I have been sharing lately. But please do not worry at all – it is still very, very simple and is really a lot of fun to make! If you have kids, I suggest getting the kids together to spend an afternoon making this crack cookie bars recipe, as they will get a kick out of helping in the kitchen AND you will be giving them something fun to do while they are running around – presumably saying that they are “bored” because let’s face it, kids are always complaining that they are bored when school is out!

This crack cookie bars recipe is full of everything you could possibly want in a sweet treat…there is a delicious, moist, decadent chocolate cookie. There are bits of pretzels to add a bit of salty crunch. There are white chocolate chips, which are one of my favorite things to add to cookies! And of course, we can’t forget these Patriotic Red, White and Blue M&Ms that add not only some extra delicious chocolaty goodness, but a festive touch!

How could anyone possibly say no to one of these amazing little chocolate cookie bars? YUM! They are going to look absolutely amazing on your backyard barbecue dessert table!

Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July

Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July Ingredients

3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick, 1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup red, white and blue M&M candies
1/2 cup pretzel pieces (broken into 1/4″ pieces)
1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July Directions

Preheat oven to 350 and line a square, 8×8 baking pan with foil. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, add flour, cocoa powder and salt and mix well.

In a separate bowl, melted butter, sugar and vanilla and mix well. Add egg and mix.

Fold in flour mixture just until combined.

Add candies, pretzels and chocolate chips and mix until evenly combined.

Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

I did add some extra M&Ms, white chocolate chips and broken pretzel pieces to the top of the batter just before putting into the oven.

Bake for 18-23 minutes until edges are crisp and center is set. Let cool completely before cutting into 16 triangles or squares.

This Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July makes 16 bars. It is just perfect for your 4th of July backyard barbecue!

To print this Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July, simply click the recipe card below.

Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July

Ingredients

3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick 1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup red white and blue M&M candies
1/2 cup pretzel pieces broken into 1/4" pieces
1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 and line a square, 8x8 baking pan with foil. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, add flour, cocoa powder and salt and mix well.
In a separate bowl, melted butter, sugar and vanilla and mix well. Add egg and mix. Fold in flour mixture just until combined. Add candies, pretzels and chocolate chips and mix until evenly combined.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. I did add some extra M&Ms, white chocolate chips and broken pretzel pieces to the top of the batter just before putting into the oven.
Bake for 18-23 minutes until edges are crisp and center is set. Let cool completely before cutting into 16 triangles or squares.

If you enjoyed this Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the 4th of July, please take a moment to share it on Pinterest for me!

If you would like more Patriotic themed recipes like this Crack Chocolate Cookie Bars Recipe for the upcoming holidays, check these out! I am slowly building up my patriotic themed baked goods section on The Rebel Chick!

RED WHITE AND BLUE PATRIOTIC RECIPES

10 Red White and Blue Themed Recipes

No Bake Red White and Blueberry Tartlet Recipe

Red White and Blue Fruit Kabobs Recipe

Red White and Blue Mini Donuts Recipe

Are you looking for some fun adult type beverages to serve at your 4th of July barbecue?

This Red White and Blue Sangria Recipe and this Red White and Blue Chocolate Martini are totally different, so take your pic on which you think your guests will enjoy the most! Either one is bound to be a hit!

Red White and Blue Shortbread Bars Recipe

Strawberry Surprise Patriotic Cupcakes Recipe

Raspberry Trifle Cups Recipe

Berry Cream Cheese Cookie Cups Recipe

This Strawberry Blueberry Tart Recipe is a really fun recipe to make for the 4th of July, it will impress your guests with how pretty and colorful it is, but it’s so easy to make!