Congo Bars
Sep 07, 2018, Updated Jun 06, 2023
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Congo bars are delicious cookie bars filled with chocolate chips. They are soft, chewy and a staple dessert in our family.
Why this recipe works
This congo bar recipe is one that was passed down to me from my grandmother. They are similar to a chocolate chip cookie in bar form. Along with being so delicious, these dessert bars are easy to make and great for a crowd.
What are congo bars?
I like to call these bars chocolate chip cookie bars but they are actually a version of a blondie bar. Congo bars are popular in the Southeast and are similar to a brownie without the cocoa powder.
Congo squares ingredients
- Flour – All-purpose flour is used.
- Unsalted butter – Slightly softened butter is needed.
- Brown sugar – Light brown sugar works the best for these bars.
- Baking powder
- Eggs – 3 eggs are used.
- Salt – This helps to balance the sweetness.
- Chocolate chips – Semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can substitute with white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips.
How to make Congo Squares
Step one: Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 brownie pan with non-stick cooking spray. Tip – Line the pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray to help make it easier to cut the bars.
Step two: Make the batter by creaming together the brown sugar and softened butter. Mix in the eggs.
Step three: In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until combined.
Step four: Using a spatula, stir the chocolate chips into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Tips for making these chocolate chip bars
- Let your butter soften slightly before making the dough. I usually place my butter out on the counter an hour before I am going to bake.
- Be careful not to over bake these cookie bars.
- Try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
How to store leftover bars
Store: Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 4-5 days.
Freeze: Store in a freezer safe bag or container for up 3 months.
More Cookies You Might Enjoy
- German Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Oreo Cookies
- Chewy Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
- Cherry Bon Bon Cookies
- Oatmeal Fudge Bars
Congo Squares
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 (12oz) bag
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- With an electric mixer, mix together brown sugar and butter until creamy.
- Mix in eggs, one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt.
- Slowly add flour mixture in with sugar mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Be sure not to over bake.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
25-30 minutes? Wrong!! They are totally raw except for the top and outer perimeter that is halfway baked. I’m putting my cooled Congo squares back into the oven now. I know they will be crispy-hard. PLEASE adjust to allow at least 38-40 minutes. I think the rest of the recipe is fine.
Wind don’t see how much coconut, nuts or white chocolate chips to add. Am I missing something? I am looking forward to making these for our volunteer firefighters, they love treats!
Hi Sharon! These Congo squares only use chocolate chips, no coconut, nuts or white chocolate. Thanks!
Sharon, I think these are just suggested stir ins. add as much or as little as you’d like. 🙂