These Chocolate Chew Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert, featuring a distinct two-layer texture that keeps you coming back for more. The base is a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust that bakes into a crisp foundation, while the top layer is a dense, gooey cookie dough packed with brown sugar, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. Once cooled, a simple yet elegant chocolate glaze is drizzled over the top, adding a final burst of richness. They are incredibly moist and chewy, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and salt. Ideal for potlucks, holiday exchanges, or simply satisfying a late-night sweet tooth, these bars are easy to make and always disappear quickly from the plate.
Chocolate Chew Bars
Description
These Chocolate Chew Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert, featuring a distinct two-layer texture that keeps you coming back for more. The base is a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust that bakes into a crisp foundation, while the top layer is a dense, gooey cookie dough packed with brown sugar, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. Once cooled, a simple yet elegant chocolate glaze is drizzled over the top, adding a final burst of richness. They are incredibly moist and chewy, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and salt. Ideal for potlucks, holiday exchanges, or simply satisfying a late-night sweet tooth, these bars are easy to make and always disappear quickly from the plate.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) if using conventional oven method, or prepare a microwave-safe 8x8 inch dish.
-
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, flour, and baking powder. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Press the crumbly mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8 inch baking pan (or microwave-safe dish).
-
Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from oven. If using a microwave, cook the crust uncovered for 4-6 minutes, turning the dish 1/4 turn every 2 minutes, until almost dry. Let stand for 5 minutes.
-
While the crust bakes, whisk together the beaten egg, packed brown sugar, flour, baking powder, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth.
-
Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
-
Spread this top layer evenly over the baked crust.
-
Return to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top loses its glossy sheen and feels set. If using a microwave, cook uncovered for 7-10 minutes, turning the dish every 3 minutes, until the top is no longer glossy.
-
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for clean cutting.
-
To make the glaze, combine cocoa powder, butter, and boiling water (or microwave for 30 seconds) in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
-
Mix in powdered sugar until the glaze is thick and smooth.
-
Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the completely cooled bars.
-
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the glaze, then cut into 2 x 1 1/4 inch bars.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 859.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 44.0g68%
- Saturated Fat 16.3g82%
- Cholesterol 26.9mg9%
- Sodium 1422.8mg60%
- Total Carbohydrate 107.2g36%
- Dietary Fiber 7.4g30%
- Sugars 72.8g
- Protein 10.9g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
