Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The sweet, chewy coconut pairs perfectly with rich chocolate and crunchy toffee bits, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be a pro in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
• Make Ahead and Store: These bars can be made in advance, making them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.

Introduction

Are you ready to embark on a delicious adventure that combines the tropical essence of coconut with the indulgent richness of chocolate? Say hello to your new favorite dessert: Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! These bars are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors that will transport you to a sunny beach with every bite. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar filled with gooey chocolate, crunchy toffee, and the delightful chewiness of coconut. It’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups flaked coconut
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 lightly beaten egg
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
• 8 oz toffee bits

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, flaked coconut, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix until well combined. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Add the Egg: Incorporate the lightly beaten egg into the mixture and mix well until fully combined. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Reserve Dough: Set aside 1-1/2 cups of this dough for the topping. This will create a delicious crumbly layer on top of your bars.
5. Press the Dough: Press the remaining dough into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This will create a lovely base for your bars.
6. Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, combine the sweetened condensed milk and Karo® Light Corn Syrup in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.
7. Add the Filling: Once the crust is out of the oven, pour the sweetened condensed milk mixture over the hot crust. Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the top.
8. Top with Reserved Dough: Evenly distribute the reserved crust mixture on top of the filling, creating a crumbly layer that will bake to perfection.
9. Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. This will help them set and make them easier to handle.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

These Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some fun ways to present and serve them:

• Platter Display: Arrange the cut bars on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an extra touch of elegance.
• Individual Wrapping: Wrap each bar in colorful parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a charming gift or party favor.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: For an indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two bars for a delightful dessert experience.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars before serving for an extra layer of decadence.

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep your Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about 5 to 7 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!

FAQs

1. Can I use unsweetened coconut? Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut, but the bars will be less sweet.
2. Can I substitute the butter? You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
3. What can I use instead of toffee bits? You can substitute with crushed cookies or chocolate-covered toffee for a similar crunch.
4. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
5. How do I know when the bars are done baking? The top should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly.
6. Can I add nuts to the recipe? Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch.
7. Is it necessary to cool the bars before cutting? Yes, cooling helps them set and makes cutting easier.
8. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
9. What’s the best way to serve these bars? They are delicious on their own, but pairing them with ice cream or whipped cream elevates the experience!
10. Can I use different types of chocolate chips? Yes, feel free to mix and match with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips!