Mocha Cookie Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Mocha Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

Preparation Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30-35 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts, if desired.
4. Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
5. For the mocha filling, heat the heavy cream, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and instant coffee granules in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Pour the mocha filling over the cookie dough and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the mocha cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 110mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and chocolatey
• Chewy and soft
• Topped with a creamy and flavorful mocha filling

User Comments:

• "These mocha cookie bars are absolutely delicious! The perfect combination of fudgy and chewy, with a rich chocolate flavor that is enhanced by the creamy mocha filling."
• "My guests loved these bars! They were a hit at my party and everyone asked for the recipe."
• "I've made these cookies several times now and they always come out perfectly. They're easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Do not overmix the cookie dough, as this will make the bars tough.
• If you don't have parchment paper, you can grease and flour the baking pan instead.
• Let the mocha cookie bars cool completely before cutting into them, as this will help them set and prevent them from crumbling.