Chances are you have a favorite treat from your childhood- something that brings to mind fond memories of the person who made it, or simply transports you back to that glorious time when food magically appeared in your kitchen requiring absolutely no planning, shopping, cooking, or spending on your part.
These are that treat for me. My Mom made these every year around Christmas and then only by “Special” request for the rest of the year.
It’s a pun. Just wait.
We called them Cookie Bars, and I thought we were OH SO FANCY because while all my other friends enjoyed the occasional homemade Rice Crispy Treat, these Cookie Bars were made with Special K cereal. (See. The pun.)
In my kid mind, Special K was an adult cereal (not because it required an ID to buy it, but because it lacked all the sugar, colors and other trappings of a kid-friendly cereal).
And honestly, lest you begin to hope that these are a “healthier” Cookie Bar, let me just say this:
- They’re not.
- and…
- They’re delicious.
Really. If you’ve never had these you’re missing out. They’re super easy, and believe me when I say you’ll love them.
I finish mine with just a sprinkle of coarse Sea Salt. After all, we’re all just big kids, and it’s great to feel fancy every once in a while.
Enjoy!
Mom’s Cookie Bars
| 1 cup | granulated sugar |
| 1 cup | karo syrup |
| 1 (12 ounce) jar | crunchy peanut butter |
| 6 cups | Special K cereal |
| 1 (6 ounce) package | semi-sweet chocolate chips |
| 1 (12 ounce) package | butterscotch chips |
In a large Dutch oven melt together the sugar, karo, and peanut butter. Cook unil the sugar crystals are dissolved and the mixture just almost boils. Pour in the cereal and mix until combined. Press the mixture (careful! it’s really hot!) into a buttered 13×9 pan and press until even.
Melt the chocolate chips and the butterscotch chips in a double boiler or in the microwave. When they are melty and smooth pour over cereal mixture, smooth with a spoon and let cool.
Sprinkle with the coarse sea salt (only if you want to feel sophisticated) and cut into bars.
Hobnob Kitchen 