Irresistible Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars: A Decadent Mash-Up Recipe & Cookbook Review

There’s an undeniable magic in bringing together two beloved dessert concepts to create something entirely new and utterly spectacular. These Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars are a perfect example, marrying the rich, chewy texture of a chocolate cookie with the gooey, decadent goodness of rocky road fudge. Topped generously with chocolate-covered marshmallows and crunchy walnuts, these bars aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience. And today, we’re diving into this luscious recipe, inspired by the innovative spirit of Dorothy Kern’s cookbook, Dessert Mash-Ups.

It’s no secret that I have a passion for combining recipes, a culinary adventure that often results in delightful surprises. From my Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake to the tempting Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bites and even Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, the thrill of mashing up classics is truly exhilarating. It’s not about improving the original – who would ever turn down a slice of plain cheesecake or a traditional cinnamon roll? – but rather about exploring new flavor dimensions and creating exciting twists that surprise and delight the palate.

This passion for innovative dessert combinations is exactly why I was so excited to review Dessert Mash-Ups by Dorothy Kern, the creative mind behind the popular blog Crazy For Crust. I’ve been a long-time admirer of Dorothy’s work, having crossed paths with her on social media. Her book is a treasure trove of two-in-one treats, designed to captivate anyone with a serious sweet tooth. The concept is simple yet brilliant: take two beloved desserts and combine them into one irresistible creation. As I flipped through the pages, countless recipes instantly caught my eye and sparked a craving, but for this review, the Rocky Road Fudge Cookie Bars emerged as the clear winner, promising a seriously chocolatey fusion of rocky road fudge and classic cookies.

Rocky road holds a special place in my heart, often reminding me of my mom, who always favored it (though her diet now prevents her from indulging). It’s also one of my personal favorites, largely because of two magical ingredients: marshmallows and chocolate! Anything that combines those two elements, especially when the marshmallows are generously coated in rich chocolate, instantly earns top marks in my dessert book. These bars promised to deliver that beloved rocky road experience, elevated by a cookie base.

And for those who keep reading, get ready for an exciting opportunity – you might just win your very own copy of Dessert Mash-Ups to inspire your next baking adventure!

First Impressions of Dorothy Kern’s Dessert Mash-Ups Cookbook

My first impression upon opening Dorothy Kern’s Dessert Mash-Ups was immediate and delightful: “Calories don’t count here!” This cookbook is a celebration of indulgence, featuring generous amounts of butter, sugar, and eggs throughout its recipes – a baking philosophy I wholeheartedly embrace. For anyone who bakes from the heart and believes that true joy comes from decadent flavors, this book feels like coming home. There’s no apology for richness, just pure, unadulterated dessert bliss.

The sheer variety of tempting recipes made it incredibly difficult to choose just one. I found myself lingering over pages featuring Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles, Cake Batter Blondie Bars, and Oatmeal Cookie Cheesecake Bars, just to name a few of the many creations that almost swayed me from my initial choice of the Rocky Road Fudge Cookie Bars. Each recipe offers a unique blend of familiar favorites, reimagined into something extraordinary. This book isn’t just a collection of recipes; it’s an invitation to unleash your inner dessert mad scientist and revel in the glorious results.

Baking and Tasting the Rocky Road Fudge Cookie Bars

I’m so glad I trusted my instincts and chose to make these Rocky Road Fudge Cookie Bars. They absolutely hit the spot, delivering everything I hoped for and more. From the moment they came out of the oven, the aroma alone was intoxicating – a warm, rich blend of chocolate, toasted nuts, and sweet marshmallows. The bars themselves were everything a decadent dessert should be: intensely fudgy, incredibly rich, and yes, wonderfully messy (please tell me I’m not the only one who ends up with melted chocolate everywhere when enjoying such a treat!). The contrast of the soft cookie base with the slightly firm yet gooey fudge topping, studded with crunchy walnuts and chewy marshmallows, created an exquisite symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.

It was nearly impossible to stop at just one. These bars were so irresistibly delicious that I knew I had to share the joy. In fact, I ended up donating most of them to my local library’s bake sale. To my delight, they were snatched up within the first few hours, a testament to their universal appeal and crowd-pleasing power. It’s always rewarding when a recipe not only lives up to expectations but also brings happiness to others.

Minor Observations and Baking Tips for This Recipe

As with any new recipe, there are always a few small observations, even when the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. While the Rocky Road Fudge Cookie Bars were undeniably fantastic, there were two minor points I noted. Firstly, the cookie batter is quite sticky. Dorothy highly recommends spraying your hands with cooking spray before pressing the dough into the pan. While I personally prefer to avoid spraying my hands, I can certainly see how this step would be necessary for easier handling. Don’t skip this if you’re not used to working with a sticky dough, as it genuinely helps achieve an even base without frustration.

Secondly, the recipe calls for an 11.5-ounce bag of chocolate chips. I typically store my baking essentials, including chocolate chips, in jars rather than their original bags. This often means I rely on cup measurements for consistency. Luckily, I had an unopened 12-ounce bag stashed in my pantry, so the slight difference wasn’t an issue. However, for those who measure by cups, it might be more convenient if the recipe also provided a cup equivalent for the chocolate chips. Fortunately, an extra half-ounce of chocolate only meant a little more chocolatey goodness on top and didn’t negatively affect the recipe’s outcome – a happy accident for any chocolate lover!

Who Should Get the Dessert Mash-Ups Cookbook?

So, who is Dessert Mash-Ups by Dorothy Kern for? I wholeheartedly recommend this cookbook to anyone who genuinely loves to bake, possesses a truly enormous sweet tooth, and isn’t afraid to embrace a little indulgence. If you find joy in creating rich, comforting, and exciting desserts, this book is absolutely for you. Most of the recipes are surprisingly approachable, making them doable even for beginner bakers eager to expand their skills. Dorothy’s instructions are clear, guiding you through each step to ensure delicious results.

One of the aspects I particularly appreciate is that all the recipes are made from scratch, which is a significant plus for quality and flavor. This includes some more ambitious projects like yeast dough for monkey bread and cinnamon rolls, showing the book’s range beyond just simple bar recipes. If you’re a baker who appreciates homemade goodness and loves to explore creative twists on classic desserts, this book will be a fantastic addition to your collection. However, if baking from scratch isn’t your preferred method, or if you’re strictly counting calories, this book might not align with your baking style. For everyone else, prepare to embark on a delightful journey of sweet discovery!

Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars

Yield:
25 bars

These decadent, rich cookie bars are topped with a glorious mixture of chocolate-covered marshmallows and walnuts, creating an unforgettable dessert experience.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just well blended and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Press the sticky cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. A helpful tip is to lightly spray your hands with cooking spray before pressing the dough to prevent sticking. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the top of the cookie layer loses its sheen and appears set.
6. While the cookie bars are still hot from the oven, prepare the chocolate topping. In a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water), melt the semisweet chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy.
7. Remove the bowl of melted chocolate from the heat and let it sit for about 2 minutes to cool slightly. Stir in the chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows until they are well coated and distributed throughout the chocolate mixture. Immediately spread this rich topping evenly over the hot cookie bars in the pan.
8. Allow the bars to sit at room temperature until the chocolate topping has completely hardened. To speed up this process, you can refrigerate the bars for a short period. However, it’s crucial to let the bars return to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing to prevent the chocolate topping from cracking. Store the finished Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Did you make this recipe?

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Source: Dessert Mash-Ups by Dorothy Kern

More Delicious Mash-Up Recipes to Explore

If you’ve loved the idea of these Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars and the concept of dessert mash-ups, you’re in for a treat! The world of combined desserts is vast and exciting. Here are a few more creative and delicious mash-up recipes that might just become your next baking obsession. Each one takes familiar flavors and twists them into something wonderfully unique, proving that sometimes, two desserts are better than one!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bites

S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Brownie Cups

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies

Kit Kat Cheesecake Brownies

Strawberry Shortcake Truffles

Cookbook Giveaway: Win Your Own Copy of Dessert Mash-Ups!

Are you ready to add the inspiring Dessert Mash-Ups to your very own cookbook collection? Here’s your chance! We’re giving away a copy of Dorothy Kern’s fantastic book, filled with more incredible two-in-one treats just like these Rocky Road Cookie Fudge Bars. To enter, simply log into the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and concludes on October 31, 2014, at 11:59 PM EST. One lucky winner will be randomly selected and will have 24 hours to respond to the notification email. Failure to respond within this timeframe will result in forfeiture of the prize, and an alternate winner will be contacted. Don’t miss this opportunity to spark your next baking adventure!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Dessert Mash-Ups from Ulysses Press for the purpose of this review, along with an additional copy to give away to one lucky reader. No further monetary compensation was provided for this post. Please note that this article also contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase anything through these links, I may receive a (very small) portion of the sale. This affiliate revenue helps to cover my blog’s operational costs, such as hosting fees and other essential expenses, allowing me to continue sharing delicious recipes and reviews with you. As always, thank you for your continued support of Chocolate Moosey!