Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Mint Chocolate Harbor Bars are not just a dessert; they're a delectable experience that promises to transport your taste buds to a world of rich, chocolatey bliss with a refreshing minty twist. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a baking enthusiast, or simply someone who craves an irresistible treat, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup mint chocolate chips
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mint chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and ensuring the top is smooth.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which will take approximately 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 equal rectangular bars.
- For best flavor and texture, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold chocolate chips gently to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges.
- Storage Hack: For an extra indulgent experience, store bars in the refrigerator for a firmer, more intense chocolate texture.
- Customize Your Chips: Experiment with different chocolate chip ratios to find your perfect mint-to-chocolate balance.
- Parchment Paper Trick: The overhanging parchment paper makes removal and cutting a breeze, ensuring perfect bars every time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 464kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 81mg
