Bar cookie

Bar cookies, called tray bakes in the UK and slices in Australia and New Zealand, are a type of cookie or dense, often chewy, cake that is baked in a shallow flat baking pan such as a square cake pan.[1][2][3] They can be eaten as a handheld or as a plated dessert. Brownies are a notable example.

Preparation

Bar cookies generally are made by spreading a thick batter into a cake pan and baking.[4]

Some versions are layered by spreading a layer of batter, topping with a layer or fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, or other ingredients, and topping with another layer of batter before baking.[4][5] Typically bar cookies are cooled completely before cutting into their final shape.[5]

Popularity

Bar cookies are quicker and easier to make than many other desserts, can be made ahead, and travel well, making them popular for events like potlucks.[6][1][7][4]: 13–14  They are versatile and less likely to fail than many baked desserts, which tend to require following recipes exactly.[4]: 13–14  They can often be eaten out of hand, making them popular for casual events and large gatherings.[1][7]

Bar cookies also are often more subtantial than a drop or rolled cookie, which means a single serving can be sufficient.[5]

Nomenclature

In the UK, the term tray bake is used as an umbrella term for any dessert baked in a flat pan and cut into small rectangular portions for serving, including what is called a sheet cake in the US; school cake is an example.[2] In Australia and New Zealand, the term slice can be used for both savory and sweet foods that are baked in a flat pan and cut into small rectangular portions; a zucchini slice is an example of a savory version.

Notable examples

Similar dishes

Dessert bars are also a dessert that is baked in a flat pan and cut into squares.

References

  1. ^ a b c York, Patricia S. (24 June 2025). "Our 38 Most Decadent Bar Cookie Recipes". Southern Living. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
  2. ^ a b Martin, Deborah (2023-01-26). "What Exactly Is A British Traybake?". Tasting Table. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
  3. ^ Nelson, Libby (2015-11-29). "British desserts, explained for Americans confused by the Great British Baking Show". Vox. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
  4. ^ a b c d Simmons, Marie (1994). A to Z bar cookies. Shelburne, Vt: Chapters Publishing. ISBN 978-1-881527-55-8.
  5. ^ a b c Bodger, Lorraine (2000). The Four-Sided Cookie: 55 Recipes for Delicious Squares and Bars. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 978-0312206758.
  6. ^ a b Gates, Laura (1991). Brownies, Blondies, and Bar Cookies. HP Books.
  7. ^ a b Good, Georgia (2024-08-14). "Bake These Christmas Bar Cookies for a Sweet Holiday Treat". The Pioneer Woman. Retrieved 2025-11-29.

Further reading

  • Coysh, Oliver (2022). Bake It. Slice It. Eat It: One Pan, over 90 Unbeatable Recipes and a Lot of Fun. Tom Oxford. Erscheinungsort nicht ermittelbar: Quadrille Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78713-866-7.
  • Gohlke, Annette (1991). Bar Cookie Bonanza. Reiman Publications. ISBN 9780898210439.
  • Marshall, Katie (2025). Foolproof Traybakes: 60 Simple and Delicious One-Tin Bakes. Richmond: Quadrille Publishing. ISBN 978-1-83783-323-8.
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