Coffee Cookie Bars Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible Coffee Cookie Bars Recipe that combines the bold, rich flavor of coffee with the comforting sweetness of chocolate chip cookie dough and a luscious condensed milk topping. These bars are perfect for anytime you need a decadent treat with a hint of caffeine kick, whether you’re entertaining friends or just indulging in a cozy moment at home. The texture is heavenly—soft and chewy with a slightly gooey layer on top that keeps you reaching for more. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll become your go-to dessert for coffee lovers and cookie fans alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the list intimidate you—these ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Coffee Cookie Bars Recipe. From rich butter to velvety sweetened condensed milk, every component contributes to a deliciously unforgettable treat.

• 1 cup softened unsalted butter (2 sticks, 16 Tbsp.): Adds creamy richness and helps create that tender crumb.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Brings deep caramel notes and moisture to keep the bars chewy.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The base that holds everything together with a soft but sturdy texture.
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips: Melts into sweet pockets of chocolaty goodness throughout the bars.
• 2 Tbsp. instant coffee granules: Infuses the bars with that signature coffee flavor that sets this recipe apart.
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder: Provides just the right lift so the bars aren’t dense.
• 1/2 tsp. salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle aromatic note.
• 1/2 Tbsp. espresso powder (optional): Boosts the coffee intensity for those who want a bolder flavor.
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk: Creates the irresistible gooey topping everyone will love.
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter: Smooths the condensed milk topping and adds richness.
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract: Gives the topping a sweet, fragrant lift.
• 2 tsp. flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to finish with a delightful salty crunch.

How to Make Coffee Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prepare your pan

Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350° F and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper. This step makes all the difference for easy removal and clean edges on your bars, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, helping create a tender texture in your coffee cookie base.

Step 3: Combine dry and mix-ins

Now add in the all-purpose flour, milk chocolate chips, instant coffee granules, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and if you have it, espresso powder. Mix everything on medium speed until just combined. The dough will look crumbly but should come together nicely when you press it between your fingers.

Step 4: Press the dough into the pan

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly. You can use clean hands, the back of a measuring cup, or a rubber spatula to create an even layer. This step is key to ensuring your bars bake uniformly and hold together perfectly.

Step 5: Bake the base layer

Bake the pressed dough for 18-20 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is set. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is going to be absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 6: Prepare the decadent topping

While your cookie base bakes, gently heat the sweetened condensed milk and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir regularly and let it become smooth and glossy—about 5 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.

Step 7: Flavor the topping

Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely fragrant sweetness that complements the coffee perfectly.

Step 8: Add and bake the topping

Pour the condensed milk mixture evenly over the baked cookie layer and return the pan to the oven for another 8-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping looks set but still beautifully soft.

Step 9: Cool and salt

Once out of the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the hot topping. Let the bars cool completely, ideally for 30 minutes to an hour (or longer if you have the patience). Cooling lets the topping firm up without being sticky, making for perfect bars.

Step 10: Cut into diamond-shaped bars

For a fun and elegant touch, cut the cooled bars diagonally into diamond shapes instead of the usual squares. This gives an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for sharing.

Step 11: Store and enjoy

Keep your Coffee Cookie Bars refrigerated or frozen to maintain freshness. They actually taste even better after a day or two, once all the flavors have melded together beautifully.

How to Serve Coffee Cookie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little extra flaky sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder on top can elevate the flavor and add a pretty finishing touch. A few chocolate shavings or a tiny dollop of whipped cream also pairs wonderfully with these bars.

Side Dishes

These bars shine alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte, making for a cozy breakfast treat or an afternoon pick-me-up. You can also serve them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightfully indulgent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the diamond bars on a rustic wooden board alternating with small bowls of coffee beans or mini espresso cups to keep the theme going. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine makes for charming, gift-worthy treats, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place the Coffee Cookie Bars in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert or snack.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

If you like your bars slightly warm, reheat them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300° F) for 5 minutes to restore that freshly baked feel without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant coffee granules?

Instant coffee granules dissolve effortlessly into the batter, giving a smooth, intense coffee flavor without altering texture. Using brewed coffee might add too much liquid and affect the dough consistency, so it is best to stick to instant granules for this recipe.

Is it necessary to add espresso powder?

The espresso powder is optional, but it really amps up the coffee intensity, making the bars taste more robust and complex. If you’re a big coffee lover, I highly recommend using it during your first try!

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key for richness, flavor, and texture in this recipe. Margarine or oil won’t give quite the same flavor or structure, so I suggest using unsalted butter to get the best results for these Coffee Cookie Bars Recipe.

How do I prevent the condensed milk topping from burning?

Heat the condensed milk and butter over very low heat and stir frequently. Patience is important here—slowly warming ensures the mixture becomes smooth without scorching on the bottom.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just be mindful that the texture might vary slightly, so watch the baking time closely and adjust if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cookie Bars Recipe is a total winner for anyone who appreciates the magic of coffee and cookies rolled into one. It’s easy to make, requires no fancy ingredients, and yields bars that are truly addictive with every bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or a pick-me-up just for yourself, give these bars a try—you’ll find they quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!

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