Get ready to experience the most decadent, mouthwatering chocolate dessert that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Chocolatey Three Layer Cookie Bars are not just a recipe; they're a chocolate lover's ultimate fantasy. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy base studded with gooey chocolate chips, creating a dessert so irresistible that it'll have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or line with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. Beat for approximately 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and smooth.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder in a separate bowl to remove any lumps. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a consistent dough forms.
- Press the chocolate cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a smooth, compact base layer. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to ensure an even distribution.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips uniformly across the top of the dough, covering the entire surface to create a rich, chocolatey second layer.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should look slightly crisp, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. This allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between each slice.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra decadence.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect creamy texture.
- Sifting is Key: Always sift your cocoa powder and flour to prevent lumpy dough and ensure a smooth, consistent mixture.
- Even Distribution: When pressing the dough into the pan, use the back of a spatula or clean hands to create an uniform layer that bakes evenly.
- Don't Overbake: Watch your bars closely! Remove them when the edges look crisp but the center is still slightly soft for that perfect, fudgy texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to help them set and make cutting easier.
- Clean Cut Technique: Wipe your knife between cuts for perfectly neat squares that look as good as they taste.Pro Tip: For an extra luxurious touch, try drizzling melted chocolate or sprinkling sea salt on top for a gourmet finish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 269kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 26mg
