Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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Treat yourself to the ultimate indulgence with our mouthwatering Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. These irresistible bars boast a heavenly combination of flavors and textures, from the buttery oat and coconut crust to the gooey filling of sweetened condensed milk and toffee bits, all topped off with a generous sprinkle of chocolate chips. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and unleash the magic of these delectable delights!

Ingredients :

For the Crust:

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2 cups flaked coconut
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Filling:

  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
  • 8 oz toffee bits

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

For the Crust:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the flour, oats, coconut, and brown sugar. Mix at low speed until well combined.
  2. Add Butter and Egg: Add the softened butter and continue mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Then, stir in the lightly beaten egg and semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  3. Press into Pan: Reserve 1-1/2 cups of the dough for topping. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. Bake: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

For the Filling:

  1. Prepare Filling Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and Karo® Light Corn Syrup until well combined.
  2. Pour and Sprinkle: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the hot crust. Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly over the filling.
  3. Top with Reserved Dough: Crumble the reserved crust mixture evenly over the top of the filling.
  4. Bake Again: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  5. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Information and Serving Size:

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Servings: 24 bars
  • Calories: Calories will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Freshly Cut: Allow these Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into neat squares for serving.
  2. Garnish Option: Sprinkle additional chocolate chips or toasted coconut flakes on top of the bars before serving for an extra touch of decadence.
  3. Accompaniment Ideas: Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
  4. Portion Control: Cut the bars into smaller sizes for bite-sized treats perfect for snacking or sharing at parties and gatherings.
  5. Room Temperature Serving: Serve these bars at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
  6. Storage Instructions: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  7. Freezing Option: To prolong their shelf life, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  8. Thawing Tips: Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
  9. Reheating Recommendation: If desired, warm individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to restore their gooey texture.
  10. On-the-Go Treats: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper or foil for a convenient and portable snack to enjoy anytime, anywhere.
  11. Gift Giving: Package these bars in decorative boxes or bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
  12. Holiday Treats: Serve these bars during festive occasions like Christmas, Easter, or Halloween for a sweet addition to your dessert table.
  13. Coffee Break Pairing: Enjoy these bars alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
  14. School Lunchbox Snack: Pack these bars in lunchboxes or as an after-school treat for kids to enjoy during their busy day.
  15. Outdoor Picnic Pleasure: Bring these bars along on picnics or outdoor adventures for a convenient and satisfying snack on the go.
  16. Dessert Buffet Display: Display these bars on dessert platters or trays at parties and events for a visually appealing dessert spread.
  17. Brunch Addition: Serve these bars alongside other brunch favorites like fruit salad and yogurt for a sweet and satisfying brunch option.
  18. Layered Dessert Parfait: Crumble these bars and layer them with whipped cream and fresh fruit in parfait glasses for a stunning dessert presentation.
  19. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two bars for a decadent ice cream sandwich treat.
  20. Movie Night Snack: Enjoy these bars as a sweet snack while watching movies or binge-watching your favorite TV shows.
  21. Late-Night Treat: Indulge in these bars as a late-night snack paired with a glass of cold milk for a comforting and satisfying treat.
  22. Office Potluck Contribution: Bring these bars to office potlucks or gatherings to share with coworkers and colleagues for a delicious dessert option.
  23. Holiday Baking Tradition: Incorporate these bars into your holiday baking repertoire for a new and unique addition to your festive treats.
  24. Weekend Baking Project: Gather the family together for a fun weekend baking session to make and enjoy these delicious bars.
  25. Special Occasion Dessert: Serve these bars at birthday parties, anniversaries, or other special occasions to celebrate with loved ones and friends.

Variations:

  1. Almond Joy Inspired: Add sliced almonds and shredded coconut to the filling for a taste reminiscent of the classic candy bar.
  2. Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the filling for a rich and nutty flavor profile.
  3. Salted Caramel Indulgence: Drizzle a layer of homemade salted caramel sauce over the filling before adding the top crust for a sweet and salty contrast.
  4. Mint Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold chopped mint chocolate or mint chocolate chips into the filling for a refreshing twist.
  5. Nutella Infusion: Spread a layer of Nutella between the crust and filling for a decadent hazelnut flavor.
  6. Coconut Macaroon Fusion: Incorporate shredded coconut into the crust mixture for an extra coconutty flavor and texture.
  7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl melted peanut butter and chocolate together on top of the bars before baking for a deliciously indulgent treat.
  8. Espresso Chip Variation: Mix espresso powder into the filling for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate chips.
  9. Orange Chocolate Bliss: Add orange zest to the crust or filling for a citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
  10. Toffee Almond Crunch: Mix chopped almonds into the filling along with the toffee bits for added crunch and nuttiness.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use margarine instead of butter in the crust? While butter is preferred for its flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute in the crust if desired.
  2. Can I omit the corn syrup in the filling? Corn syrup helps create a gooey texture in the filling, but it can be omitted if necessary. However, the texture may be slightly different.
  3. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet? Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor, but be mindful that the bars may be overall sweeter.
  4. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats? Quick oats can be used as a substitute for old-fashioned oats, but the texture of the crust may be slightly different.
  5. Can I use homemade toffee instead of store-bought toffee bits? Yes, homemade toffee can be used in place of store-bought toffee bits for a more customized flavor.
  6. Can I add additional flavors to the filling? Yes, feel free to experiment with additional flavors such as extracts (vanilla, almond, etc.) or spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.) to customize the taste of the filling.
  7. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and oats to make these bars gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  8. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping? Yes, you can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination of chocolates for the topping to suit your preferences.
  9. Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch? Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to make a larger batch of bars.
  10. Can I use a different type of syrup instead of corn syrup? Yes, you can use maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup as alternatives to corn syrup, but keep in mind that they may slightly alter the flavor of the bars.

With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, our Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply treating yourself to a sweet moment of indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more!