If you’ve ever dreamt of the perfect blend of gooeyness and chocolatey goodness, then you’re in for a treat with these Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars. Imagine the rich, nutty flavor of creamy cookie butter combined with decadent chocolate chunks, all wrapped up in a chewy, buttery base. These bars are not only incredibly easy to whip up, but they also make the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookie butter bars will surely impress.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets these Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars apart from the rest is the unique use of cookie butter as the star ingredient. Cookie butter provides a rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the sweetness without being overly cloying. The combination of cookie butter and chocolate creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, resulting in bars that are chewy, gooey, and utterly irresistible. Plus, they are incredibly versatile—you can easily modify the recipe to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 cup creamy cookie butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg plus one egg yolk
- 1/4 cup molasses (not black strap)
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon 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
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Hardware & Gadgets
- 9×9 inch baking pan: Ideal for baking the bars to the perfect thickness.
- Mixing bowls: For easy mixing of your ingredients.
- Spatula: Helps in folding in the chocolate chunks and spreading the batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly after baking.
Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars — Do This Next
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease your 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy cookie butter, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add in the 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1/4 cup of molasses. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate
Gently fold in 4 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate, ensuring that the chocolate is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Add Topping and Cool
Immediately after removing the bars from the oven, sprinkle 2 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate on top. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect finishing touch.
Season-by-Season Upgrades
- Fall: Add chopped apples or pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.
- Winter: Incorporate peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive flavor.
- Spring: Mix in fresh berries or a swirl of lemon zest for a refreshing taste.
- Summer: Top with toasted coconut or nuts for added crunch and texture.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
- Using cold cookie butter: Ensure your cookie butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars, as they continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- Forgetting the salt: A touch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Common Qs About Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars
Can I use crunchy cookie butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy cookie butter will add a delightful texture to the bars. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I substitute the chocolate with other mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to swap the chocolate chunks for your favorite mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup, though it will slightly change the flavor.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can make these bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the ingredients in the cookie butter to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Ready to Cook?
Dive into this delicious adventure and bring these Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars to life in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a sweet treat that will melt in your mouth!
Gooey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Butter Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: Grease your 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine cookie butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add vanilla, egg, egg yolk, and molasses; whisk until well combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in chopped semi-sweet chocolate until evenly distributed.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Step 7: Sprinkle chopped chocolate on top immediately after removing from the oven. Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt after cooling.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Using room temperature cookie butter will make mixing easier.
