Larimer Square is a bustling street in downtown Denver, one of those chi chi one block streets that harken to days when cities had main streets and you could go there to find a gathering of merchants. It was in fact the first main street in Denver, born during the gold rush of the mid 1800′s when it was settled and named by General William H. Larimer Jr. Back in those ‘olden’ days, merchants would include purveyors of feed, flour and furniture but today as a designated Historical District it’s a destination for both city residents and suburbanites to grab a cocktail, shop a bit and have dinner in some of Denver’s best restaurants. It’s gone through its share of changes in the years I’ve lived in Denver but I love that this charming street is mostly filled with local shops and restaurants.
Charming during the day and even more so at night when it is covered with white lights.
There seems to be no history that indicates the area gave rise to a namesake cookie. It’s not too late; forget gold, they should claim them now! I can only imagine that the person who titled these bar cookies Larimer Toffee Squares had to have been making a play on words with this historical area; elevating the cookie to both the distinction and history that being associated with Larimer Square would convey. Once made in our home…that is absolutely what happened. The distinction is simple. We love them. The history? We’ve loved them for a long time.
The original recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks, Creme de Colorado, the 2nd cookbook published in the 1980′s by the Junior League of Denver. That recipe is a mixture of just four ingredients; graham crackers, butter, pecans and sugar and I’ve found it necessary to only modify in one way…with a drizzle of milk chocolate. It’s a good addition too. Not that they weren’t enough on their own, but something about toffee just screams for chocolate…so I did it!
A quick and easy cookie that is similar to toffee candy.
Ingredients
- 12 graham crackers
- 11/4 cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup milk chocolate chip morsels
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Line a 10- x 15-inch rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray with cooking spray.
- Break 12 graham crackers in half and fit in pan in a single layer.
- In a saucepan, whisk together butter and light brown sugar over medium-low heat until smooth. Pour evenly over graham crackers.
- Sprinkle pecans evenly over graham cracker base and bake until bubbly about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Melt milk chocolate chips in the microwave on low power.
- Remove cookies from oven and using a fork, drizzle the chocolate over the cookies.
- Cool completely and then break into portions.

















{ 68 comments… read them below or add one }
These are KILLER, and I mean that in the most lustful, gluttonous way aka, I want the whole pan! Larimer Square looks darling..perfectly quaint and lovely.
Lisa Most Recent Post: Malted Pretzel Crunch for Super Bowl Sunday and Bad Boy First Love, Part Two.
Larimer Square is all that…I mean not far beyond that block is the quintessential downtown atmosphere; tall buildings and parking structures and all…it’s like stepping back a bit in time.
These look wonderful Barb.. Trying to decide what to take to the superbowl party on Sunday… this might be the winner!
Chrissy The Clumsy Gourmet Most Recent Post: Stuffed Spiral Pork Loin Roast for the Holidays recipe
You know I didn’t know that the Clumsy Gourmet was YOU Chrissy until I saw your avatar…welcome to the crazy world of food blogging!
I am so going to make that with white chocolate chip! I am not much of a chocolate fa but Hubby would love that.
Um, yumm…I would like that too!
Love a little sweet history with recipes! I’m not a huge fan of toffee but this looks like I’d love them!
Nelly Rodriguez Most Recent Post: Chorizo Ragu with Cilantro Idaho Spuds
I think I love it more than toffee…not quite as hard and that touch of graham cracker both flavor and texture. Umm umm good.
Very cool – don’t you love recipes/foods with a bit of history and local color? These look scrumptious and decadent and the drizzle of chocolate makes them perfect (what isn’t better with a drizzle of chocolate?)!
Jamie Most Recent Post: CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO LAYER CAKE
I think this cookie is an example of one that was sent all across the country in the old fashioned way. Word of mouth. No one person claiming it. Can you even imagine that?
I love the simplicity of the this recipe! Adding the crackers sounds fun, and unique:-) I would say adding the drizzle of chocolate was a must, and a perfect addition:-) Hugs, Terra
Terra Most Recent Post: Yoplait Lactose Free Yogurt Review + A Couple Smoothie Recipes!
Thanks Terra…I don’t need much encouragement to do that but your affirmation…it’s appreciated!
Oh I love these, simple as well! Perfect for my sweet tooth!
Kimmy @ Lighter and Local Most Recent Post: Cheddar Peasant Boule
Toffee is something I can’t say no to and these look fantastic! I’m glad you added the chocolate because they do belong together. :)
Lora ~ cakeduchess Most Recent Post: Brie and Ham Pizza {Pizza con Prosciutto Cotto e Brie}
Thank you ma’am…can’t imagine without now.
These sound fantastic. I am a chocolate and toffee luvah…
We have an area like that here in Olympia. And now I need to go shop and have an afternoon to myself. MUST make that happen.
I’ll be by there tonight going to another event but I mostly love it during warm weather…the sit on the sidewalk with a cup of coffee or a cocktail and watch people kind of weather :)
These sound so wonderful! Can you tell me when the toffee goes on? The recipe skips this step! I would hate to mess it up! Thank you so much for sharing!
Heather
Even easier Heather…there is no toffee. They become like a toffee bar when the butter and sugar bakes into the graham cracker. So the recipe is correct and they are so easy.
Thank you! Step 4 says to whisk together the butter and brown sugar. I’m assuming I pour that over the graham crackers and then sprinkle the pecans.
I look forward to making it!
Aha! You are right…I changed recipe. You pour the butter sugar mixture evenly over the graham crackers, sprinkle with pecans and then bake. Thanks!
Thank you, sweetheart! These are brilliant!
OH My gosh. We made these when I was in Junior Auxiliary (similar to Jr League). They are as good as they look. (mine never looked quite as good as yours though).
angela@spinachtiger Most Recent Post: Crostini with Edamame Avocado Spread
I think it’s the chocolate…that drizzle sure ‘dressed’ them up a lot. Didn’t hurt the flavor either. :)
Oh… anything with toffee has my name written all over it. These look marvelous!
Thanks Brian…and easy. And impossible to eat just one. My girls favorite treat ever.
These just look so very decadent. I wish we could get graham crackers here. When does the toffee go in? Assuming before or after sprinkling the pecans on? Thanks Barb for sharing xx
Colleen Most Recent Post: Spiced ClemenGold Tarte Tatin with Rich Butter Puff Pastry
Actually the combinations of the sugar and the butter melting into the graham cracker sort of ‘makes’ the toffee. That’s why they are so easy…I’ve actually seen similar recipes over the years using saltine crackers too.
I fell in love with Larimer Street when my friend and I flew over from NYC in the mid 80s, as exchange students. Unfortunately, we had only one day to spend in Denver before continuing on to the Rockies:) One day I’ll have to come back:)
Great, Barb, “ruin” these with chocolate! Just kidding, I am a chocolate fiend and the sqyares look dangerously good.
Lana Most Recent Post: It Never Snows in Southern California
When I worked for the LAT, visiting our Denver bureau in Larimer square was always a treat; my favorite part of Denver. And now I have to try these squares.
Lynn Most Recent Post: It’s Legit: Satsuma Apple Marmalade
You have justified my typical answer to someone coming to Denver who asks me,’What should I do when I come to Denver’ and I always answer, ‘You must visit Larimer Square.’ Who needs the Denver Mint anyhow? :)
Oh my goodness those squares! Must have one now.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen Most Recent Post: Honey Coconut Macaroons with Chocolate Dipping Sauce | Rochers à la Noix de Coco
My job here is done. Perfect response. :)
Larimer Square is beautiful! I love the architecture of the buildings! These bars look insanely delicious and your addition of the chocolate just raises them to a whole new level, in Colorado and elsewhere!
Paula Most Recent Post: How To Make a Royal Icing Gazebo
It’s beautiful at night too. All of those wires evident in the photo? Tiny white lights all year round. I love sparkling white lights; they make it festive for the holidays…including the 4th of July!
I love toffee! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
They are a quick version that I think I might love more than the candy Maria…I love that graham cracker crunch!
A friend described her father’s only dessert in his repertoire, and it was a pan of graham crackers covered with melted butter, a sprinkling of sugar and nuts. Maybe he was from Denver! So simple, but it’d be a great treat. Imagine breaking that up over vanilla ice cream…
The Duo Dishes Most Recent Post: The Duo’s Ethnic Exploration: Spain Versus Argentina
It’s not like they’re not already decadent enough…but boy that does sound good!
I’ll take an order of these and a matching cocktail, STAT!
Now? Come on over…I’ll have it ready by the time you get here, promise!
Wow, Barb, those look seriously incredible!
Carolyn Most Recent Post: Apple Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese Balls (Gluten-Free)
Sadly neither low carb nor GF…sorry to tease.
Cant wait to try!
I want to make this, but we don’t have Graham crackers in Oz. Will have to work out a similar substitute, but don’t have one off the top of my head. Are Graham crackers sweet, savoury or neutral? Are they crispy and/or oaty? Any ideas, Barb?
Amanda Most Recent Post: Snowed in, in Seattle
Let’s see…they are sweet but just slightly. They are definitely a crisp cookie; shaped in a bar with perforations that can see them separated into four smaller pieces. I found this article, I have seen people make their own if you can find graham flour:
http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090621214610AAWvspH
How long have I lived here and have never heard of these cookies. I’m embarrassed to say the least. So glad you post the recipe!
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! Most Recent Post: Five reasons why I love avocados #iloveavocados
Well, I think the author may have made up the name for the purposes of submitting the recipe to the Junior League…seems they have versions all over the country. But they are great. If you have plenty of help when you make them…they are also highly addictive. I know this for a fact. :)
I first had these at a cookie exchange I went to a couple of years ago and I was smitten! I went right home and made a batch and vowed I’d have to wait a long time before making them again since I COULD NOT STOP eating them!!
Think I will make a batch to ship to the collegiate!!!
Nancy@acommunaltable Most Recent Post: Mahummara Dip
No surprise that this recipe has gotten around…I’ve also heard of something similar with saltines but I just love the graham crackers. I’m sure the boy (and his friends) would devour them!
This is my type of cookie/candy – huge fan of toffee – i have to stay away or i would eat this whole thing :)
Delishhh Most Recent Post: The Best Ribs
No…you need to come help ME!
When I was a kid we always made toffee with my best friend’s mom and peanut butter fudge at my house – funny to see this post as I was just thinking about those treats yesterday!
Cooking with Michele Most Recent Post: Yellow Lentil Soup with Almond-Parsley Garnish
Always love to hear the stories of how food reminds us of friends and places in our life.
I totally forgot about this recipe. It is so good and easy. My kids used to make these. Now I have to make it again. Thank you!
jane bauer Most Recent Post: Gordon Ramsay At The London and a Special Birthday Dinner
Next time you can come have some. Really rescue me from them. :)
wow these look so easy and sound fantastic! Ha I love your “history” – people loving them for a long time is good enough for me!
Jenn Most Recent Post: DMBLGIT Jan 2012 – The Winners
Lovely and soooooo easy! I, too, love the Denver Jr. League cookbooks. I have two others but not the one you mentioned above. Chocolate and toffee are natural partners so I think that was a great addition!!
Barb, these look amazing! Love the chocolate drizzle. YUM!
Yuri – Chef Pandita Most Recent Post: Berry Lime Olive Oil Pound Cake Muffins [gluten-free]
Oh these look fabulous Barb! I’m going to have to make a batch of these when family comes in next week. They’ll love them.
Karen Harris Most Recent Post: An English Chip Shop Favorite: Mushy Peas
Love this recipe, Barb. Very similar to one I have from an old cookbook as well. You really find gems in some of those old cookbooks, don’t you? I think I’ll go have a look through some of mine right now :-)
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme Most Recent Post: Turnip Green Dip
I just love this. Honestly, I love anything toffee, but these look especially good. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Sarah Most Recent Post: How To Stay Young – Some Vintage Advice
You are most welcome Sarah. Until you make them and eat the whole plate. No fair blaming me. :)
These look yummy and easy! Now another cookbook I want.
Jenny Most Recent Post: I once had such perfect arms….
We’ve been lucky we have had so many wonderful cookbooks put together by the local Junior League…this first one I used so much I had to buy a new copy a couple of years ago.
What a great recipe! These look delicious. Thanks for sharing!
: ))
Jen
Jen @ pretty plate Most Recent Post: Quinoa and Curry
Sure Jen…they are one of those simple, old type treats that are decadent…and hard to walk away from. Trust me.
I hope you enjoy them. Ahem…I might have bought a box of graham crackers at the grocery today. We’re expecting up to a foot of snow tonight; if I get snowed in I want some cookies!
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