Introduction

These Lucky Charms Cookie Dough Bars combine the nostalgic flavor of the classic cereal with a rich cookie dough base and creamy buttercream frosting. Colorful marshmallows add a fun, chewy surprise in every bite, making these bars a perfect treat for any occasion.

Two stacked dessert bars are shown with three visible layers. The bottom layer is crumbly and beige, looking like a graham cracker crust. The thick middle layer is creamy beige with colorful bits of candy mixed in, showing bright blue, green, yellow, pink, and red pieces throughout. The top layer is a smooth white frosting with more colorful candy pieces placed on top, matching the candies inside. The bars sit on a white marbled texture with blurred pieces in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups toasted oats from Lucky Charms (no marshmallows)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows
2 cups all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 3/4 cup Lucky Charms marshmallows (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Put the toasted oats cereal and 1/4 cup granulated sugar into a food processor and blend until it becomes fine crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and pulse a few times until well combined.
Step 2: Line an 8×8 baking pan with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Pour the cereal crumb mixture into the pan and press down into an even layer. Place the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 3: In a mixer bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter (room temperature) with 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then mix to combine.
Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows.
Step 5: With the mixer on low, slowly add 2 cups all-purpose flour until well incorporated. Then, add 5 tablespoons whole milk gradually until the dough comes together.
Step 6: Remove the pan with the crust from the freezer and press the cookie dough evenly over the crust layer.
Step 7: Prepare the buttercream frosting by beating 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature) with 1 cup confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
Step 8: Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon salt. You may add food coloring if desired.
Step 9: Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the cookie dough layer. Press 1/2 to 3/4 cup Lucky Charms marshmallows onto the top of the frosting.
Step 10: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 45 minutes. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the foil and cut into squares. You can make about 16 large bars or 36 smaller ones.

Tips & Variations

Use toasted Lucky Charms oats without marshmallows for the crust to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess.
Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm flavor twist.
For extra crunch, stir in chopped nuts or white chocolate chips into the cookie dough before pressing it over the crust.
If you want a colorful frosting, add a few drops of food coloring while mixing the buttercream.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of two stacked dessert bars on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is crumbly and light brown, resembling a graham cracker crust; the middle layer is thick, creamy, and speckled with colorful rainbow cereal pieces in bright blue, green, yellow, pink, and orange; the top layer is a smooth, white frosting adorned with more of the same colorful cereal pieces scattered on top. The bars have neat edges, with the upper bar perfectly centered over the lower one. In the blurred background, more bars are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another cereal instead of Lucky Charms for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute with any toasted oat cereal or similar cereal without marshmallows. Just make sure to toast it first for the best flavor and texture.

Is it safe to eat the cookie dough layer raw?

This recipe is designed for safe consumption, but because it contains raw flour, it’s best to use heat-treated flour or bake the bars if you prefer. The chilling process firms up the dough, making it taste like edible dough.