Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars
The ultimate treat for chocolate lovers! These **Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars** are rich, decadent, and incredibly easy to make. With a magical blend of cookie butter and chocolate, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect for any occasion, you’ll want to make these bars tonight!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy cookie butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup molasses (not black strap)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (not packed!)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chopped into chunks
- 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chopped into chunks, for topping the bars with after they've been baked
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for baking these bars, ensuring that they cook evenly and develop the perfect texture.
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or tin foil and spray well with non-stick baking spray. This step is crucial for easy removal later on.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cookie butter on medium-high until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy.
- Add in both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, along with the vanilla. Continue beating for another 2 to 3 minutes, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This will help incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Next, beat in the egg and egg yolk, followed by the molasses. Mixing these ingredients well is important for achieving the right consistency.
- Turn off the mixer and add in the flour, cinnamon, and salt. Turn the mixer back on at a low speed, mixing just until combined. This should take no longer than a minute. The batter will be very thick at this point, and it's important not to add any more liquid.
- Carefully fold in the chocolate chunks, mixing just until combined. At this stage, you want to see those lovely chunks dispersed throughout the batter.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and press it down into an even layer. This ensures that your bars will bake evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 32 minutes. The edges should be set and the center may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for achieving that gooey texture.
- Once baked, place the pan of cookie butter bars on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before slicing. This waiting period is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- If you want to add extra chocolate chunks on top, do this right when the cookie bars come out of the oven. Let the chocolate melt slightly before sprinkling them on top.
Notes
- Tip 1: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
- Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze these bars! Once cooled and cut, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.
- Tip 3: Pair these bars with a side of fresh berries or slices of bananas. The natural sweetness and acidity from the fruit can cut through the richness.
- Tip 4: A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or even salted caramel ice cream makes an excellent pairing, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Tip 5: Serve them during gatherings or celebrations like birthdays or holidays where a sweet treat is appreciated.