Description
Deliciously spooky Cookie Bars perfect for Halloween, featuring a rich cocoa base, melty chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles. These bars are soft, chewy, and easy to make in just 35 minutes, ideal for sharing at parties or as a fun seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (20 grams)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (100 grams)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour (165 grams)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (255 grams)
Topping
- 3-4 TBSP Halloween sprinkles
- 3 TBSP mini or regular M&Ms (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ to get it ready for baking the cookie bars.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 baking pan with foil and lightly grease it with oil for easy removal and cleanup.
- Melt Butter and Mix Cocoa: Melt the unsalted butter in a large heat-safe bowl and stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth.
- Add Sugars and Wet Ingredients: Stir in both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix on medium speed until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle baking soda and salt into the mixture and mix well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing slowly to incorporate without overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add nearly all the chocolate chips into the dough, reserving a few for topping, and fold gently to combine.
- Assemble in Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle the Halloween sprinkles on top.
- Bake: Place the pan on the center oven rack and bake for 20-24 minutes. Begin checking at 20 minutes. The bars are done when the top loses its glossy sheen and they barely jiggle when moved gently.
- Add Final Toppings and Cool: While warm, press the remaining chocolate chips and optional M&Ms onto the top of the bars. Let cool completely before cutting into 18 servings.
Notes
- Line and grease the pan to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep bars tender.
- Check doneness carefully as overbaking can dry out the bars.
- Cookies are easier to cut once completely cooled.
- Optional M&Ms add a fun and colorful touch perfect for Halloween.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-24 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American