Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

If you’re a fan of rich, chewy desserts with a little crunch and a lot of flavor, then these Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are made for you. Imagine biting into a bar that combines sweetened condensed milk, buttery oats, flaked coconut, chocolate chips, and crunchy toffee in every decadent bite. These cookie bars are more than just dessert—they’re a party-worthy treat that disappears as quickly as you bake them.

Whether it’s for a birthday party, a casual potluck, or a cozy weekend indulgence, these bars hit all the right notes. Their golden brown crust, gooey sweet filling, and crispy topping make them a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Bars

• Quick prep, big reward: Only 5 minutes of prep before baking.
• Ooey and gooey: Sweetened condensed milk filling gives that irresistible chew.
• Flavor-packed: Coconut, chocolate, and toffee combine for a dreamy flavor profile.
• Versatile dessert: Perfect for cut-and-serve parties or packed in lunchboxes.
• Crowd favorite: Easy to make in a 13 x 9-inch pan for 24 servings.
• Make-ahead friendly: Store at room temperature or in the fridge for days without losing texture.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust and Topping

• 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

Yield: 24 bars
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Tools & Equipment Needed

• 13 x 9-inch baking dish, lightly greased
• Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer)
• Electric mixer (stand or hand)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for filling
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish and set aside.

Tip: Using parchment paper can make removing the bars easier, but greasing is sufficient.

2. Make the Crust and Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • 1 ¼ cups flour
   • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
   • 2 cups flaked coconut
   • ¾ cup brown sugar
   • ½ tsp salt
   Mix on low speed until evenly combined.
2. Add 1 cup softened butter and continue mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Stir in 1 lightly beaten egg and continue mixing until well incorporated.
4. Fold in 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips.
5. Reserve 1 ½ cups of the dough for the topping.
6. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until slightly golden.

3. Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine:
   • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
   • ¼ cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the filling evenly over the hot crust.
4. Sprinkle 8 oz toffee bits evenly over the top of the filling.
5. Crumble the reserved 1 ½ cups of dough evenly over the filling and toffee layer.

4. Bake the Cookie Bars

1. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
2. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into 24 bars.

Pro Tip: Cooling completely prevents the bars from falling apart and allows the gooey center to set just right.

Tips & Variations

Flavor Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra texture.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
• Tropical Twist: Add a few tablespoons of shredded dried pineapple for a fruity coconut experience.

Dietary Adjustments

• Vegan Option: Use coconut condensed milk and plant-based butter, and vegan chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar slightly and use sugar-free chocolate chips if desired.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well for 1 week; the flavors meld beautifully.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Flavor Profile & Texture

• Taste: Sweet, buttery, and slightly caramelized from the toffee and condensed milk. Coconut adds a nutty, tropical undertone.
• Texture: Crisp edges, soft and gooey center, chewy chocolate chips, and crunchy toffee.
• Appearance: Golden brown crust with a visible gooey filling layer peeking through the crumbly topping.

These bars are best served fresh or at room temperature to maintain the perfect gooey-chewy balance.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	378 kcal
Fat	23 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Carbohydrates	41 g
Protein	4 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	30 g
Cholesterol	43 mg
Sodium	161 mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate.

Pro Baking Tips

• Butter Temperature: Use softened butter, not melted, to maintain the right crumbly texture.
• Even Pressing: Press the crust evenly into the pan to avoid uneven baking.
• Toffee Tips: Use quality toffee bits for best flavor; avoid very hard toffee as it may not melt slightly during baking.
• Cutting Bars: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.

Ingredient Spotlight

Flaked Coconut

• Adds chewiness and tropical flavor.
• Best to use unsweetened or lightly sweetened flaked coconut to balance sweetness.
• Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Creates that gooey, creamy center that makes these bars irresistible.
• Acts as both a sweetener and binding agent.
• Can be substituted with vegan condensed milk for dairy-free versions.

Toffee Bits

• Provide crunchy, buttery contrast to the soft bars.
• Sprinkle evenly to avoid clumping in one spot.

Serving Suggestions

• Cut into bite-sized bars for parties or potlucks.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for cozy afternoon treats.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture and hold up better in the crust.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make them a day in advance; the flavor actually improves as they sit.

3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes. Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet toffee and coconut.

4. Do I have to reserve dough for the topping?
Yes, the topping adds texture and balance. Without it, the bars will be too soft on top.

5. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature before slicing.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Ingredients	5 min
Bake Crust	10 min
Prepare Filling & Assemble	5 min
Bake Full Bars	25–30 min
Cool & Slice	10–15 min
Total Time	40 min

Conclusion

These Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and crunchy—a dessert that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or a cozy night in, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

With minimal prep, crowd-pleasing flavors, and a gooey, indulgent texture, this recipe is a must-have in your dessert arsenal. Try them, share them, and enjoy every decadent bite!

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