Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Chocolate Chip Bars

Chocolate Chip Bars

Your kids won’t trade away these lunch box goodies

With Labor Day coming up here in the US, kids are headed back to school. Which means they’ll soon be clamoring for lunch box treats and after-school snacks.

You could make that perennial favorite, chocolate chip cookies. But why not go one better and make these awesome chocolate chip bars?

Kids will love them. And grownups may sneak some into their lunch bags too.


Chocolate Chip Bars

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Bars

Mrs. Kitchen Riffs is the baker in our household, and she adapted this recipe from one she found on the King Arthur Flour site.

Prep time for this recipe is about 20 minutes. Baking time adds another 25 to 30 minutes. These bars are easier to cut if you let them cool completely, so allow another hour for that.

BTW, you really don’t want to overbake these—see the first Note.

This recipe yields about 2 dozen Chocolate Chip Bars. Leftover bars keep well for a few days if they’re sealed in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature. Or you can freeze them for a month or so.

Ingredients
  • ~1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish
  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon instant espresso (optional but recommended)
  • ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt (if using regular table salt, ½ teaspoon; see Notes)
  • ¾ cup (1½ sticks) additional butter, softened (we recommend unsalted butter)
  • 2 cups + 2 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed (either light or dark brown will work)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (see Notes)
  • 3 large eggs (consider using pasteurized for safety; see Notes)
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips + 4 ounces chopped semisweet chocolate (or just use 3 cups chocolate chips and skip the chopping)
  • 2 cups chopped nuts (pecans are particularly tasty)
Procedure
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9"x13" baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, espresso (if using), and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large mixing bowl, if using a hand mixer). Add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs and beat well to combine. 
  4. Add the chocolate chips, chopped chocolate (if using), and chopped nuts. Mix well to combine. Add the dry ingredients and beat until well mixed.
  5. Scrape the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to the edges with a spatula or knife. Smooth the top.
  6. Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges look firm. Don’t over bake (see Notes). 
  7. Remove the baking dish from the oven, and allow it to cool on a rack. Cut into 2 x 2 inch bars and serve.
Chocolate Chip Bars

Notes
  • It’s easy to over bake these bars, so take care. Don’t try to judge them by inserting a knife or tester. Even though they may appear soft and “molten” in the center, they’re done when their top has turned golden brown and the edges are firming up. They will set as they cool.
  • Why grease the baking dish and use parchment paper? Because these bars can stick like glue to your baking dish (especially when the chocolate chips melt). Using both butter and parchment paper provides extra protection against that.  
  • You can leave out the espresso if you want to make these bars super family-friendly. But we strongly suggest using it. Espresso deepens the taste of chocolate, and even the most sensitive palates probably won’t be put off by the small amount used in this recipe.  
  • What brand of chocolate to use in these bars? Basically, whatever you like. For chocolate chips, we’re partial to the classic Nestle brand, although Ghirardelli makes a mean chip too. For bar chocolate, we favor Ghirardelli these days, but we’re always experimenting.
  • Either light or dark brown sugar works well in this recipe, although dark brown has a somewhat deeper flavor.
  • Kosher salt is coarser than regular table salt, so it’s less salty by volume. If using regular table salt in this recipe, reduce the amount to ½ teaspoon.
  • We recommend using high-quality (pure) vanilla extract in this recipe. Its flavor is so much better than the imitation kind. 
  • Pure vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of water and alcohol for several months. If the label doesn’t say “pure,” that means it’s made from synthetic vanilla. The artificial kind is usually derived from the sapwood of several species of conifers—or from coal extracts! How appetizing. Not.
  • BTW, the FDA requires that pure vanilla extract contain at least 35% alcohol. 
  • The flavor of some imitation vanillas can be nasty. You don’t have to spend a fortune on pure vanilla extract, but getting decent quality does mean spending a bit more for something that’s not loaded with sugar or imitation flavoring. Do yourself (and your family) a favor and get the real stuff.
  • Eggs carry a slight (but real) risk of salmonella. Once you thoroughly cook eggs (as you will when you bake these bars), they’re fine. But if you’re going to taste the dough before baking it—and who can resist?—we suggest using pasteurized eggs.
  • If you have leftover nuts, we recommend storing them in the freezer. They can go rancid at room temperature, particularly during warm weather.
  • We like to eat these bars neat. But if you want to serve them as dessert, you could plate them with some ice cream or whipped cream.
Chocolate Chip Bars

Teacher’s Pet

“Where has summer gone?” asked Mrs. Kitchen Riffs, nibbling on a Chocolate Chip Bar. “Kids are heading back to school already.”

“Yeah, I always dreaded this time of year when I was a kid,” I said, stuffing my face. “But if I’d had these great Chocolate Chip Bars in my lunch back then, I’d probably have begged to start school.”

“These might be even better than Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies,” said Mrs K R.

“That’s a great recipe,” I said, selecting another bar for myself. “And speaking of brownies, it’s been ages since you’ve made your Ultimate Chocolate Brownies.”

“Well, with cooler weather coming, I’ll soon be baking again,” said Mrs K R.

“Can’t wait till you start cranking out those goodies,” I said. “We may need to work on some new baking recipes for the blog.”

“Right,” said Mrs K R. “I guess that’s our version of homework.”

“And when it comes to baking, you know the lesson plan,” I said. “You make, I eat.”

“Indeed,” said Mrs K R. “And you always score 100 on every assignment.”


You may also enjoy reading about:
Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies
Ultimate Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate Pepper Cookies
Blueberry Flaugnarde
Grape Flaugnarde (Flan)
Chocolate Fudge with Nutella
Or check out the index for more

110 comments:

The Surprised Gourmet said...

I'd consider going back to school if these were in my lunch box every day. The espresso is a bonus. These look so good. Hat's off to the Mrs.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

So now you made me go to the freezer and steal a chocolate chip cookie. These look so good. I always had homemade cookies waiting for my kids when they came home on the first day. It is a good tradition and one that should still be kept! I love to bake cookies!

Unknown said...

My kids have been back for close to 2 weeks already! You guys have it easy starting after Labour day. Yes, my children would love these, but I'm afraid there won't be any left for the lunch box, I'm pretty sure they'll be gone with after school snacking!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Surprised Gourmet, the expresso is really good in these. And I'd consider going to school if I had these, too. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, cookies are wonderful aren't they? Heck, anything with chocolate chips is wonderful! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nazneen, actually most kids around here have been back in school for a week or two, also, although some start around Labor Day. It gets confusing! What's not confusing is how good these bars are. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Dottie said...

Hi John,
OMG! You had me at chocolate! I love these they look so yummy and soft. I have chips on hand so I think this will make a good treat for the weekend. They are simple and love your the added coffee. You are right it really does enhance the chocolate flavor. These bars would never last long in my family....Thanks for sharing this recipe and for all of your notes...Kudos to Mrs. K R..Have a great rest of the week..
Dottie :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dottie, hard to resist chocolate, isn't it? These really are good -- hope you have a chance to make them. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Yum, if I were a teacher and saw one of my students with these in their lunch, I might be tempted to.... Never mind, I would not do that,... well maybe I would. They look so good!

Laura Dembowski said...

I was totally just thinking that I hoped you had posted a dessert. This one does not disappoint. Perfect for all kinds of end of summer and beginning of fall activities.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Chris, sure you would! Who wouldn't? :D Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, it's been way too long since we've done a dessert. But this more than makes up for that -- it's really, really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

We'll be going on vacation soon and I know of three BIG kids who would love these for afternoon snacks! Sorry, let's make it 4 kids! :) Mrs. KR outdid herself with these. YUM!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, you need these so you don't get cranky while traveling. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

Yes, please. All of these for me, please!! I love them.

Nagi@RecipeTinEats said...

The world-wide-web is saturated with choc chip cookies. These bars are a fabulous refreshing change form the usual. Thank you John!

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

OH YES! I don't even like chocolate but YOU make it look REALLY REALLY GOOD!

Denise Browning said...

I wish I was a kid to carry these in my lunch box... haha! I would be all anxious and excited to have them at lunch time.

Brooks said...

John, these bars look so chocolaty, and nutty, and most definitely scrumptious! Me thinks a batch for the family is on the task list. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

Fran @ G'day Souffle' said...

Remember those 'Roy Rogers' lunchboxes from the 50s or 60s? If I had your bars in my lunchbox then, the other kids would surely have grabbed my lunchbox and gobbled them all up!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, we'll need to make another batch so you can have them all. This one is gone. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nagi, we like chocolate chip cookies, but these are better. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, it IS good, REALLY REALLY GOOD! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, just make a bat ch and you'll feel like a kid again. Maybe we should have called these "Fountain of Youth" bars. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Brooks, your family will thank you. With tears in their eyes. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, I do remember those Roy Rogers lunchboxes! Had forgotten about them, but definitely recall them. Very cool! Thanks for the comment (and the memory!).

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

My family loves chocolate chip cookie bars and I have a feeling yours would disappear in a flash around here! Terrific recipe!

Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) said...

Oh, so she does cook - it's not just all cocktails on the deck:-) These look fab Mrs K R - will be giving these a try when I'm in my new kitchen!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, these really do disappear in a hurry. So, so good. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rachel, LOL! It's been awhile since we've featured Mrs KR's baking -- have to remedy that. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Nammi said...

Hi,!! your chocolate chip bars caught my eye ! My son would love these!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nammi, I'll bet your son would be soooo grateful if you made these for him. :D Thanks for the comment.

Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things said...

Ah, what a delicious treat... and not just for the lunch box! If your summer has passed, that must mean our warmer weather is on the way! Hip, hip and all that! xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lizzy, this really is a great treat! And your warmer weather is definitely on its way, so be on the lookout. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Ansh said...

I am not sure this would make it to my teen's lunch bag. I may not want to share. Scratch that. Those I WILL NOT share! These look like something I might hide in a brown bag and take to the park with book to read and eat.

beyondkimchee said...

My kids would flip-over for these bars. What a wonderful baker wife you got! These looks so tempting and I need to try this recipe soon for my family. Thanks.

Unknown said...

WOW!
These look so good! My children always trade their recess so I will have to take you up on the challenge ;) Oh and if they don't like them I know I will smash them :)
Thanks for sharing
Julie

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ansh, taking these to the park and eating them while reading a book sounds like a wonderful idea! Teens should learn how to bake anyway, and make their own. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Holly, these really are super -- I flip over them! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Julie, bet your kids wouldn't trade these. Well, maybe they would if they could give one of these for all the loot in the world. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Mother Rimmy said...

Fantastic looking bars. I love bar making, it's so much less time consuming than cookies. I've never added espresso to my cookies/bar recipes, but I'll bet it compliments the chocolate beautifully!

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

Mrs KR is a fantastic baker - these bars are definitely an A+! Though, I'd be tempted NOT to share these! Love the espresso in them!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristi, you should try the espresso -- really add a nice, subtle note of flavor. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, Mrs KR really is a good baker. Good too! But I'm not complaining. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Who could resist one of those bars? Not me!

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

I'm trying to cut down on sweets but you just pulled me along again...! ;)

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi John, I love sweet things that come in a bar shape, especially when chocolate is involved. Looks like a keeper of a receipe!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, these are always gone pretty quickly whenever Mrs K R makes them. Actually, we tend to give a lot away, otherwise we'd definitely be eating them! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, sorry about that. ;-) That's one of the dangers of blogging, isn't it? Always so much tempting stuff out there! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, I like bars too, although when it comes to chocolate I don't much care about the shape. :D Thanks for the comment.

Bar said...

When you refer to kids you do mean of all ages right? I wish my mommy had some of these ready for me now. :)

They look great John, SO much chocolate which means so much perfect!

Vicki Bensinger said...

Oh yum these sound terrific! I love chocolate chip cookies and turn them into bars with that addition of espresso powder makes them that much more appealing. My family will love these.

Food Gal said...

OMG, those look good! Especially the pieces with those coveted crispy edges. It's a good thing this plate isn't in front of me now -- or else I'd inhale them all! ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Barb, definitely mean kids of all ages! I never stopped being a kid. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi VIcki, just a little espresso powder really can add a ton of flavor. It's good stuff! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, they're all gone, thank goodness, otherwise I'd be inhaling them, too. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Bam's Kitchen said...

John, your little talk with Mrs. Riff's at the end of your posts always makes me smile. I believe that you are the best QA chocolate chip bar tester of the Riff crew... LOL Well school has been back for over 2 weeks here in HK and the complaining is in full force, waking up early, the homework... I best get in that kitchen right now and crank out a few of these bars... Take care, BAM

Rocquie said...

I'm so happy to see the kickoff to baking season with such a terrific recipe. Thank you for sharing and inspiring. --Rocquie

dedy oktavianus said...

Simply damn delicious choco chip bars!!!
Dedy@DentistChef

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, I work at being a good QA tester. :-) Your boys will love these. And I'll bet a batch is just about the right size for them! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, this is a good one. We need to make it again soon! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dedy, they are indeed! Thanks for the comment.

Robyn said...

LOL, I always enjoy your conversations with Mrs. Riffs. These look so delicious and now I am craving chocolate.
Good tip about the nuts - I didn't know that but will get right on it. I once bought cheap vanilla extract and learned my lesson!
Always enjoy you posts, John. Have a great weekend :)

Amira said...

This is exactly what I need these days.... We've been in school for 3 weeks now and the kids are starting to complain already and got bored from the treats they had in their lunch boxes!!!! Thank Mrs Riffs. I'll give this a go for sure

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Robyn, I'm always craving chocolate! Need to urge Mrs K R to make this again. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, bet your kids will love this! You, too. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

Are you sure there is dough in this recipe, cause it mostly looks like chocolate. Totally fine by me :-) Great bars and love the espresso added in there too.

Hotly Spiced said...

I wouldn't trade these either and I do agree they would be even better when cooked a little under-done. I love the addition of pecans xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, we like a high ratio of chocolate in our dough. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Charlie, these are definitely too good to trade! Although, of course, I suppose it depends on how much loot one can get in return. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kristianne said...

I would have loved to have one of these in my lunchbox as a kid!! YUM!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristi, you can make a batch and pretend you're a kid. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

You two are so cute! Love these bars and yes I would go back to school if someone put these in my lunchbox. Can't wait to see how you both do on your next homework assignment. Bravo!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, just photographed the next homework assignment. :-) Wish we had some of these bars left to celebrate! Thanks for the comment.

Gourmet Getaways said...

With espresso, I know I would love these bars. Decadent and tempting!!

Julie
Gourmet Getaways xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Julie, these really are decadent. Which, of course, always tempts us. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

The expresso powder is a great idea! Will have to give these a try. We love everything with chocolate chips in this house! :) Thanks for the recipe

Unknown said...

I definitely need some of these especially with the espresso powder! (BTW, we're two weeks and one day into our school year, not that I'm counting or anything.) :)

Debra Eliotseats said...

I definitely need some of these, especially with that high-octane espresso powder. (I've been back with the kiddos for two weeks and one day, btw, but who's counting?) :)

Beth said...

I love it when Mrs. KR gets in the kitchen! These chocolate chip bars looks amazing. (And "we like to eat these bars neat" - LOL!)

Nancy said...

Yummmm, chocolate! What a great recipe. I would devour the entire batch in one sitting. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, yeah, we're real chocolate fiends too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Unknown, the espresso really adds a nice little zing to these! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, so, how long until winter break? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, I like it when Mrs KR gets in the kitchen too! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nancy, it's way too easy to eat a batch of these in one sitting! Don't ask me how I know this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Zoe said...

Hi John,

I can't believe that Aug is ending soon. The kids are going back to school and your summer is going to be over soon... but it is still so so cold in Melbourne like our winter seems to be never ending!!!

Whether it is winter or summer, school or no school, I'm sure everyone will love your chocolate chips bars! Yum!

Zoe

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Zoe, we've been loving our summer,but cool weather is just frond the corner! Enjoy the warm weather which you'll soon be seeing. And bake these bars no matter what the weather. :-) Thanks for your comment.

Pat@savorthebest.com said...

These look perfect, just what I need right now :)

Lux G. said...

Yummy goodness in every slice.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, I need one of these for breakfast right now! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lux, true yum! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

It's bittersweet to say bye to summer vacay. I love these chocolate chip bars, so perfect for school snack for teachers, I would love to have some right about now.
Your conversations are too cute.
xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Asha, I agree seeing summer go is always kind of sad. But the change of seasons is always fun, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

I think I could eat about 20 of these ... in 5 minutes. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, 20? Sure. 5 minutes? That's impressive! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

That is perfect with a cold glass of milk, Yum!

All That I'm Eating said...

These sound so good, I would definitely make a batch and take to work with me!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, yup, milk and baked chocolate goodies go so well together, don't they? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, work will go much better! And your coworkers will love you. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

These bars are over the edge with deliciousness for sure! My family would love them, even though the kids have long been out of school, I definitely have to make them for our little grandson! Love your version of homework! Happy Baking Mrs KR!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, if only I had that sort of homework when I was in school. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dana @ Simply Romanesco said...

These chocolate bars look phenomenal!! So cute and yummy :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dana, aren't they great looking? And taste much, much better than they look. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jamie said...

Good golly, forget the kids! These make me realize just how long it has been since I have made and eaten good old brownies! These looks sensational!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jamie, these are really good -- I predict you'll like them. :-) Thanks for the comment.

FLAVZCORNER said...

I would love to have a piece of that chewy bar. My kids would definitely love this. Will try it soon. Thanks for sharing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shibi, kids of ALL ages like this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Carol at Wild Goose Mama said...

A wife who bakes, enjoy immensely your drinks and participates in the world of puns---you hit the jackpot in your marriage. Lol

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carol, we did indeed hit the jackpot! Thanks for the comment.