Minty Mocha Cookie Bars

I love making these Minty Mocha Cookie Bars because they’re the perfect festive treat! The bold mocha and mint flavors come together with colorful sprinkles and mini chocolate candies for a fun, flavorful dessert. The white chocolate and mint-infused chips add an indulgent twist, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk keeps the bars soft and chewy. They’re so easy to make, and they’re perfect for holiday parties or as a delightful gift. Making these bars is just as enjoyable as eating them!

Fun Variations for Minty Mocha Cookie Bars

For a different twist, I sometimes swap the mini chocolate candies with crushed peppermint candies for an extra minty crunch. I’ve also tried adding a bit of instant coffee for an extra mocha flavor boost! If I want to make them even more festive, I can use holiday-themed sprinkles or add a layer of crushed cookies for more texture. For a richer taste, dark chocolate chips can replace the white chocolate, or I can mix in some toasted nuts for added crunch!

What you’ll need to make Minty Mocha Cookie Bars

  • Unsweetened Chocolate (2 oz): Coarsely chopped for melting, providing a deep chocolate base.
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives structure and forms the base for the cookie dough.
  • Baking Powder (3 tsp): Helps the dough rise slightly during baking.
  • Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Butter (12 tbsp): Softened to room temperature, contributing a creamy texture to the dough.
  • Vegetable Shortening (4 tbsp): Creates a light, tender texture for the cookie bars.
  • Brown Sugar (1 1/3 cups): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel taste.
  • Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Contributes sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
  • Eggs (2): Binds the ingredients together, adding structure and moisture.
  • Pure Coffee Extract (2 tsp): Infuses a delicate coffee flavor, enhancing the mocha essence.
  • White Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Provides a sweet, creamy contrast to the dark chocolate base.
  • Mint Baking Chips (1 cup): Adds a festive, minty flavor, perfect for holiday treats.
  • Mini Chocolate Baking Bits (1/2 cup): Adds color and a fun, crunchy texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk (3/4 of a 14 oz can): Keeps the bars chewy and adds sweetness.
  • Festive Sprinkles (1 tsp): For a cheerful, decorative touch on top.

How to make Minty Mocha Cookie Bars

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Melt the Chocolate: Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the unsweetened chocolate, stirring until smooth.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer bowl, beat the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until well blended.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted chocolate, eggs, and coffee extract, mixing until smooth and combined.
  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips.
  7. Spread the Dough: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, ensuring not to fully bake.
  8. Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and immediately top with mint chips, mini chocolate bits, and sprinkles. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
  9. Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
  10. Cool and Cut: Allow to cool completely, then lift out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

More Dessert

Serving and Storage Tip

  • Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
  • These bars are a festive addition to dessert platters or gift boxes.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Helpful Notes

  • Use high-quality unsweetened chocolate for a richer flavor.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
  • Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk for desired sweetness and chewiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the classic flavors of mint and mocha for a delightful holiday treat.
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing or gifting.
  • Offers a delightful mix of textures, from chewy to crunchy.
  • Visually festive and a hit with both kids and adults.

Minty Mocha Cookie Bars

These Minty Mocha Cookie Bars harmonize the rich flavors of mocha and mint with a fun assortment of sprinkles and chocolate bits. Ideal for the holiday season, these bars are simple to whip up and perfect for sharing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • Unsweetened Chocolate: 2 oz coarsely chopped
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
  • Baking Powder: 3 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Butter: 12 tbsp softened to room temperature
  • Vegetable Shortening: 4 tbsp
  • Brown Sugar: 1 1/3 cups
  • Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
  • Eggs: 2
  • Pure Coffee Extract: 2 tsp
  • White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup
  • Mint Baking Chips: 1 cup
  • Mini Chocolate Baking Bits: 1/2 cup
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: 3/4 of a 14 oz can
  • Festive Sprinkles: 1 tsp

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • Melt Chocolate: Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the unsweetened chocolate, stirring until smooth.
  • Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until well blended.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the melted chocolate, eggs, and coffee extract, mixing until smooth and combined.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips.
  • Spread Dough: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, ensuring not to fully bake.
  • Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and immediately top with peppermint chips, mini M&Ms, and sprinkles. Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
  • Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
  • Cool and Cut: Allow to cool completely, then lift out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.