Congo Bars Recipe (Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars)

Introduction

If you’re a fan of chewy cookie bars loaded with rich chocolate, these Congo Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. Made with buttery brown sugar dough and packed with both semi-sweet chocolate chunks and creamy milk chocolate chips, these bars bake into a perfectly soft, gooey treat with crisp golden edges. They’re easier to make than traditional cookies since there’s no need to scoop individual portions—simply spread the dough into a baking pan and bake. Perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or an everyday sweet treat, Congo Bars are a timeless dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat the parchment with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and baking powder, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Mix in the Flour

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate

Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks and milk chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula.

Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and set while the center still looks slightly soft and gooey. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the Congo Bars to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them onto a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Serve and enjoy!

Conclusion

These homemade Congo Bars are everything you want in a dessert bar—soft, chewy, buttery, and packed with plenty of melted chocolate in every bite. They’re quick to prepare, easy to transport, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this classic recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll make again and again.