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
- Prepare the 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 the Chocolate: Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the unsweetened chocolate, stirring until smooth.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer bowl, beat the butter, shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until well blended.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted chocolate, eggs, and coffee extract, mixing until smooth and combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips.
- 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.
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and immediately top with mint chips, mini chocolate bits, 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.
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
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.