Mint Chocolate Chip Bars

Prepare to be enchanted by these truly decadent Chocolate Chip Mint Bars. Imagine a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, perfectly balanced with a gooey, sweet condensed milk center and an irresistible chewy cookie crust. These bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, packed with the iconic flavor of Andes mint chocolate and an abundance of chocolate chips. They promise to be a delightful indulgence that will tempt your taste buds and leave you craving more.

The timeless combination of chocolate and mint holds a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. From classic peppermint patties to gourmet chocolate mint truffles, this pairing offers a refreshing contrast that is both invigorating and comforting. Our Chocolate Chip Mint Bars celebrate this beloved duo, transforming it into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’re a fan of this flavor profile, you’ll also adore our Mint Chocolate Layered Brownies, which offer another dimension to this fantastic flavor combination.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Easy Chocolate Mint Bars

These chocolate mint bars are an absolute dream for anyone seeking a quick, delicious dessert that delivers on flavor and convenience. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice for any upcoming event. Whether you’re planning for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, celebrating a birthday, hosting a game day gathering, preparing for Christmas, or simply need a standout item for a bake sale, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Their vibrant taste and appealing layers make them a guaranteed hit, ensuring you won’t be disappointed.

The Irresistible Allure of Warm, Gooey Goodness

Chocolate mint lovers will undoubtedly go wild for these bars! There’s something uniquely satisfying about enjoying them warm and gooey, fresh out of the oven. While cutting them warm might not result in the prettiest, most defined slices, the sheer deliciousness of the molten chocolate and soft minty center makes every bite worth it. For those who prioritize presentation, a crucial tip is to chill them thoroughly before slicing. This allows the layers to set firmly, ensuring neat, picture-perfect squares.

Admittedly, the bars pictured here were cut while still warm, a testament to their irresistible aroma and my inability to wait! Every single calorie feels completely justified when you bite into that luscious combination of chocolate and mint. These bars are truly dangerous in their deliciousness, an undeniable treat that you simply cannot refuse once you get a taste of their rich, refreshing flavor.

Effortless Baking, Unforgettable Flavor

One of the many joys of making these chocolate chip cookie bars is that they come together effortlessly in a standard 9×13-inch pan. There’s no need for a stand mixer or complex techniques. You simply press a portion of the buttery cookie dough into the pan, bake it to a golden perfection, and then layer on the star ingredients: a generous amount of chocolate chips, creamy Andes mint candies, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. The remaining cookie dough is then crumbled over the top, creating a delightful crackly crust that adds a wonderful textural contrast. The magic happens as these hidden layers of chocolate and mint gently peek through the golden cookie dough, making for a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Chip Mint Bars

Crafting these sensational chocolate chip mint bars requires a few simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes these bars truly stand out.

Chocolate Chip Mint Bars Recipe Ingredients:

• flour (all-purpose, unbleached, or a good quality gluten-free blend)
• brown sugar (for that essential chewy texture and depth of flavor)
• butter, chilled (critical for a tender, crumbly crust)
• egg (a large egg, slightly beaten, to bind the dough)
• semi-sweet chocolate chips (for rich chocolatey goodness)
• sweetened condensed milk (the secret to the gooey, irresistible middle layer)
• Andes Creme de Menthe Chocolate Mint Baking Chips (the signature mint flavor!)
• Additionals for topping: Andes Creme de Menthe Candies, M&Ms, Mint M&Ms (for extra flair and minty crunch)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chocolate Chip Mint Bars

Follow these easy instructions to create your own batch of delightful Chocolate Chip Mint Bars. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Use a whisk or a fork to stir them together until well blended.
3. Add the chilled butter to the flour and sugar mixture. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to streusel topping.
4. Crack the egg into the crumb mixture and mix thoroughly. You might find it easiest to use your hands to really work the dough together until it just comes together.
5. Measure out and reserve 1½ cups of this crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Ensure it forms a compact layer.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This pre-baking step helps create a sturdy base for your bars.
7. Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the hot crust. Then, sprinkle the Andes mint chips over the condensed milk layer. The heat from the crust will help the mint chips and milk slightly melt and meld.
8. Now, stir 1½ cups of chocolate chips into the reserved crumb mixture. This will form your flavorful topping.
9. Carefully sprinkle the entire reserved crumb mixture (now mixed with chocolate chips) over the Andes mint chips layer in the pan. If you have any additional chocolate chips you wish to add, sprinkle them on top as well.
10. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the topping appears bubbly and set. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
11. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven. If desired, immediately add whole Andes Creme de Menthe Candies, M&Ms, or Mint M&Ms on top for extra decoration and a burst of flavor. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them for neat slices. However, if you can’t resist, know that these mint chocolate chip bars taste absolutely incredible while still warm and gooey!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Mint Bars

• Chill for Clean Cuts: While tempting to cut into these bars warm, for impeccably neat and defined squares, allow them to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours (or even overnight). This firming process makes slicing much easier.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close watch on your bars during the second bake. The topping should be golden brown and the edges lightly bubbly. Overbaking can lead to a dry crust.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: The parchment paper sling makes lifting the entire slab of cooled bars out of the pan a breeze, allowing for easier cutting and serving. Don’t skip this step!
• Quality Matters: Using good quality chocolate chips and butter can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your bars. Fresh ingredients always make a difference.

Creative Variations to Explore

One of the best things about this chocolate chip mint bar recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different additions to personalize your batch and discover new favorite flavor combinations.

• Add a Touch of Vanilla: For an extra layer of aromatic complexity, incorporate a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract into your cookie dough mixture. Vanilla beautifully complements both chocolate and mint.
• Nutty Crunch: Introduce a delightful textural contrast by chopping up and adding some nuts. Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even almonds would be fantastic. Not only do they add crunch, but they also sneak in some extra protein and fiber.
• Beyond Andes Mints: While Andes mints are classic, don’t hesitate to substitute with other mint chocolate options. Crushed chocolate mint sandwich cookies (like Oreos) or even chopped chocolate mint patties can be used in the filling or sprinkled on top for a different twist.
• Different Chocolates: Instead of semi-sweet, try milk chocolate chips for a sweeter bar, or dark chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor that beautifully contrasts the mint. White chocolate chips could also add a creamy, milder chocolate note.
• A Hint of Peppermint Extract: If you want to boost the mint flavor even further, a small amount (¼ to ½ teaspoon) of peppermint extract can be added to the sweetened condensed milk layer. Be cautious, as peppermint extract is potent!
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe can be adapted for those with gluten sensitivities. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum) for a delicious, inclusive treat.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

How to Serve Your Chocolate Chip Mint Bars

These bars are incredibly versatile in how they can be served. Enjoy them:

• Warm: Fresh from the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an ultimate indulgence.
• Chilled: After a good chill, these bars become firmer and the mint flavor intensifies, making them a refreshing treat. Perfect with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
• As a Gift: Package a few bars in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.

Storing Your Delicious Bars

To keep your chocolate mint bars fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, or if you prefer them chilled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, cut them into individual squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

It’s time to get your chocolate mint fix and create these incredibly gooey, easy-to-make bars featuring the magic of sweetened condensed milk! Don’t forget to share your creations and enthusiasm for these amazing treats on Pinterest, Facebook & Instagram!

Discover More Delightful Bars & Brownies

If you’ve enjoyed these Chocolate Chip Mint Bars, you’ll love exploring our other enticing dessert recipes. We have a wide array of gooey bars and rich brownies perfect for satisfying any sweet craving:

• OMG Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars
• Thin Mint & Andes Dark Chocolate Brownies
• Peppermint Sugar Cookie Bars
• Rich n’ Gooey Buckeye Bars
• Sheet Pan Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• Reese’s Cream Cheese Bars