Potlucks are all about sharing food that everyone can enjoy without a lot of fuss. These bar cookie recipes fit that perfectly. You can make a big batch ahead of time, cut them into pieces, and bring them along to share. They are easy to make, hard to resist, and sure to disappear fast at any gathering. Whether it’s a family dinner or a friendly get-together, these cookies make the sweet side simple and tasty.
Frosted Banana Bars. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Texas Sheetcake Brownies
These brownies are full of rich chocolate flavor and have a smooth glaze on top that sets just right. They cut into big, neat squares, making them easy to pack and share with a group. When you need a no-fuss dessert that still tastes like something special, this one works every time.
Get the Recipe: Texas Sheetcake Brownies
Surprise Brownies
At first look, they seem like regular brownies, but there’s a soft and creamy filling inside that makes them extra fun. Each bite brings something a little unexpected, and people always want to know what makes them so good. They’re great when you want to show up with bar cookies that get people talking.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Brownies
Dulce de Leche Magic Bars
These bars are packed with layers of caramel, chocolate, coconut, and crunchy nuts for a sweet and chewy bite. There’s something in every layer to love, and they hold together well when you need a treat to bring along. They’re an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that adds something rich and satisfying to any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Dulce de Leche Magic Bars
Chocolate Cherry Brownies
The mix of deep chocolate and bright cherries makes these brownies sweet, tart, and full of flavor. Their fudgy texture doesn’t melt or fall apart, so they’re perfect for sharing outside or on the go. When you need something that stands out but is still easy to serve, this one is a solid pick.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Butterscotch Brownies
These soft bars bring a buttery butterscotch flavor that’s sweet, warm, and simple. They’re chewy enough to feel rich, but not too heavy to enjoy on a casual day. These are great bar cookies to make ahead and pack up when you want something people will reach for twice.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Brownies
Baked Lemonade Bars
These bars have a smooth lemon filling that tastes bright and a little tart, set on top of a sweet crust. The flavor is fresh and light, but still sweet enough to feel like dessert. They’re easy to cut and carry, which makes them perfect for sharing with a big group.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemonade Bars
Frosted Banana Bars
Ripe bananas keep these bars soft and full of flavor, while the frosting on top adds a sweet finish. They’re like a mix between cake and banana bread, but easier to slice and serve. If you need a treat that’s cozy, simple, and always a hit, this one checks every box.
Get the Recipe: Frosted Banana Bars
Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
These bars are packed with chocolate chips, dried cherries, and crunchy cereal for a treat that’s chewy, sweet, and doesn’t need any baking. They’re easy to wrap up and carry, so you can take them wherever you need to go. Bar cookies like this are perfect when you want something quick, simple, and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Cherry Cereal Bars
Lemon Squares
A soft crust and a bright lemon layer make these squares sweet and tangy in every bite. They cut cleanly and hold together well, which makes them a strong option for group events. When you need something easy that balances out richer desserts, these bars are a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Squares
Raspberry Jam Bars
These bars have a layer of sweet raspberry jam tucked between a golden, buttery crust and a crumbly topping. Each bite is soft, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. They’re easy to stack and serve, which makes them a smart choice when feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Jam Bars
Chewy S’mores Bars
Graham crackers, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows come together in one chewy, sweet square. They’re simple to make but bring out all the flavors of a campfire classic. These are the kind of bar cookies that kids and adults both reach for without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Chewy S’mores Bars
Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
These bars have thick layers of rich caramel and smooth chocolate over a firm crust that holds up when packed. They’re bold and chewy, but still neat enough to serve without fuss. Great for anyone who loves a dessert that feels a little more special but is still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars
S’mores Brownies
These brownies bake the best parts of s’mores—graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows—into one thick, rich square. They hold their shape and bring big flavor without needing a campfire. When you want a treat that’s fun, familiar, and easy to share, these work every time.
Get the Recipe: S’mores Brownies
Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
These bars mix creamy vanilla and fresh orange flavor in a way that feels cool and smooth. They sit on a soft, buttery crust that makes each bite easy to enjoy. They’re great when you want a no-hassle dessert that still feels a little different from the usual picks.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Orange Cheesecake Bars
Cherry Crumb Bars
These bars pack sweet cherry filling between a soft crust and a crunchy topping that adds texture in every bite. They hold up well in your hand, which makes them easy to grab and go. When you’re planning to share something fruity and simple, these are a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Crumb Bars
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Blueberries bring all the flavor in these bars, layered between a golden crust and a crisp topping. Each bite is sweet, a little tart, and just the right texture to eat without a plate. If you need a fruity dessert that travels well and pleases a crowd, you can count on these.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Crumb Bars
7 Layer Bars
These bars stack up chocolate, nuts, coconut, and more into one thick, sweet bite that’s full of flavor. They don’t need much effort to make, and they slice into firm squares that hold together well. When you want something fun and packed with extras, this is the one to make.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Bars
Double Chocolate Blondies
These blondies mix dark and white chocolate chips for a treat that’s chewy, sweet, and rich without being messy. They’re simple to make and easy to serve, which makes them a smart pick for any casual get-together. When you want something chocolatey that won’t fall apart, these get the job done.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Blondies
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
These brownies add cinnamon and a little spice to rich chocolate, giving them a bold flavor that’s still easy to love. They bake in a big sheet and slice clean, so they’re simple to pack and share. When you want to bring something different that still fits in, this one’s got the right mix.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies