Snow Day Sheet Pan Sweet Treats
Easy, cozy bakes that feed a crowd (without baking all day)
Snow days have taught me one very important thing: when the house is full and routines are out the window, sheet pan desserts save the day.
As a private chef cooking for a family of six, I always lean toward recipes that feel special but don’t require multiple batches, constant supervision, or a sink full of dishes. These sweet treats are warm, comforting, and designed to stretch—perfect for slow winter afternoons, cozy kitchens, and kids drifting in and out asking, “Is it ready yet?”
Each recipe below starts with a kid-friendly base, with simple adult upgrades if you want to elevate the pan without baking twice.
Y’all Enjoy! {Since our family is gluten free, I’ve included subs for that if you need them, too!}
Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Soft in the center, golden on the edges, and loved by everyone.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.
Whisk together melted butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla.
Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Spread evenly in the pan.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until edges are set and the center is just soft. Cool slightly before slicing.
Optional Adult Upgrades
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking
Add chopped walnuts
Use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate
Fudgy Sheet Pan Brownies
Rich, soft brownies that hold up beautifully all day.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment.
Whisk butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla.
Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until fully combined.
Spread evenly in the pan.
Bake 20–25 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.
Optional Adult Upgrades
Add 1–2 teaspoons espresso powder
Swirl in peanut butter or tahini
Finish with flaky sea salt
Funfetti Blondies
Bright, cheerful, and perfect for snow days that feel a little long.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, melted
1½ cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2¼ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup white chocolate chips
⅓ cup sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment.
Mix butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in white chocolate chips and sprinkles.
Spread evenly in pan.
Bake 20–24 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
Optional Adult Upgrades
Use vanilla bean paste
Add lemon zest for brightness
Swap sprinkles for chopped white chocolate
Brown Butter Blondies
A warmer, nuttier version that feels just a little more grown.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, browned and slightly cooled
1½ cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2¼ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Brown butter in a saucepan until golden and nutty. Let cool slightly.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment.
Mix butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Bake 20–24 minutes, until edges are set.
Optional Adult Upgrades
Add chopped pecans or walnuts
Drizzle with salted caramel
Finish with flaky sea salt
One pan. One bake. Enough for everyone.
They’re forgiving, cozy, and perfect for the kind of days when the house is full, the weather is quiet, and time slows just enough to make something sweet together.
If you save just one thing for the next snow day—make it one of these.
