If you’re looking for a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between chewy, crunchy, sweet, and salty, Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are your answer. These rich, multi-textured bars combine the familiar comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the nutty depth of toasted coconut and the buttery crunch of toffee bits. Easy to make and even easier to love, this recipe is ideal for everything from potlucks and bake sales to family movie nights and holiday platters.
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step directions, serving suggestions, and a few helpful tips to make these irresistible bars the star of your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars
Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars aren’t just another spin on the classic cookie—they’re a flavor-packed dessert experience. Here’s what makes them special:
- Texture Heaven: The gooey middle, crisp edges, melty chocolate chips, crunchy toffee, and chewy coconut create layers of texture in every bite.
- Big Batch, Minimal Effort: Baked in one pan and sliced into squares, these bars offer all the satisfaction of cookies without the need to portion individual dough balls.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet chocolate, nutty coconut, caramelized toffee, and a touch of sea salt bring balance and depth to every square.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a standard 9×13-inch pan of cookie bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup toffee bits (such as Heath Bits o’ Brickle)
- Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in the Goodies
Stir in the shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and toffee bits until evenly distributed.
6. Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. If desired, sprinkle the top lightly with flaky sea salt. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Do not overbake—these bars continue to firm up as they cool.
7. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, chill the pan briefly in the fridge before slicing.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
Based on 24 bars per pan, each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 95mg
Keep in mind, these are indulgent treats—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in moderation.
Presentation Tips
A few simple touches can make these cookie bars look as good as they taste:
- Serving Style: Arrange squares on a wooden board or tiered dessert tray for a rustic-chic vibe.
- Add a Drizzle: Melt a few chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for a decorative finish.
- Gift-Ready: Wrap individual bars in wax paper or parchment and tie with string for a charming, homemade gift.
These cookie bars also freeze well. Just layer them between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Swap: Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making dessert for a crowd or just craving something homemade and delicious, Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars deliver. Their irresistible mix of textures and flavors hits all the right notes: sweet, salty, buttery, and chewy.
And unlike cookies that require individual shaping and multiple baking sheets, these bars keep things simple. One bowl, one pan, one unforgettable treat.
So next time you want a dessert that stands out—but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen—give this recipe a try. Your friends and family will thank you, and your taste buds will be hooked from the very first bite.
Happy baking!