There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of chocolate and pecans. These chocolate chip pecan bars bring together the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with the sweet indulgence of semi-sweet chocolate, all nestled within a soft, chewy cookie base. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are both simple to make and delightful to share.
Ingredients & Equipment
Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have the following ingredients and equipment ready:
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- Coarse sea salt (for topping)
Equipment:
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Making the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to fold them together until a thick, cohesive batter forms. The batter should resemble a dense cookie dough, indicative of the chewy texture characteristic of these chocolate chip pecan bars.
Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans and 6 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate, reserving a few tablespoons of each for topping. Ensure that the pecans and chocolate are evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing a consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Baking the Chocolate Chip Pecan Bars
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the reserved chopped pecans and chocolate on top, gently pressing them into the surface. This not only enhances the appearance of the chocolate chip pecan bars but also ensures a delightful crunch and burst of chocolate with each bite.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars; the goal is a moist, chewy texture.
Upon removing the bars from the oven, immediately sprinkle the top with coarse sea salt. The salt accentuates the sweetness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the pecans, adding a sophisticated balance to the flavor profile. Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 30 minutes to set properly.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Transfer them to a cutting board and slice into nine equal squares. These chocolate chip pecan bars are perfect for serving at gatherings, gifting to friends, or enjoying as a delightful treat with your favorite beverage.
How do I prevent my cookie bars from sticking to the baking dish?
To ensure your chocolate chip pecan bars release easily from the baking dish, it’s essential to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This allows you to lift the entire batch out effortlessly once cooled. Additionally, lightly greasing the parchment paper can provide extra assurance against sticking. Proper preparation of the baking dish not only facilitates easy removal but also aids in achieving evenly baked bars.
Can I use a regular cookie recipe to make cookie bars?
Yes, many traditional cookie recipes can be adapted to make cookie bars. The primary adjustment is reducing the amount of flour for a thinner, more brownie-like batter. Also, spreading the cookie dough evenly into a baking pan, typically a 9×13-inch or 9×9-inch dish, depending on the desired thickness. Baking times may vary; generally, bars require a longer bake at a slightly lower temperature compared to individual cookies to ensure even cooking without overbrowning the edges. It’s advisable to monitor the bars closely and perform the toothpick test to check for doneness.
These chocolate chip pecan bars are the perfect fusion of rich, chocolatey indulgence and nutty, buttery goodness. With their chewy texture and irresistible balance of sweet and salty flavors, they’re a dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or as a treat to brighten an ordinary day, these bars are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat. Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container (if there are any left!) to enjoy throughout the week. Happy baking!
Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookie Brownies
Equipment
- 9x9 Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- 6 ounce semi sweet chocolate bar chopped
Topping
- Coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a bowl, add the ⅓ cup unsalted butter along with the 1 cup dark brown sugar and mix together. Now add the 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 eggs, mixing again until thoroughly combined.
- Pour in the flour, cinnamon and salt. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to fold in the dry ingredients until a thick cookie batter forms, similar to a brownie batter consistency.
- Add in all but a few tablespoons full of the chopped pecans and chocolate. Keep some to top the batter before going in the oven.
- Fold in the pecans and chocolate until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the extra pecans and chocolate on top.
- Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Sprinkle coarse sea salt on the cookie bars straight out of the oven. Let cool for about 20 minutes before cutting.
- Cut into small squares and enjoy!
