Name: Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, divided, melted; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided (3 cups for filling, 1 cup for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 65 reviews

If you are craving something that perfectly balances chewy, sweet, and a little tropical flair, this Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine golden bars with a buttery crust, a luscious layer packed with sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and bubbling semisweet chocolate chips all baked to gooey perfection. This crowd-pleasing dessert brings together the best of chocolate chip cookies and coconut treats in a way that’s simple to make yet impressive enough for any occasion. Trust me, once you dive into these bars, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl with uneven edges holds a mix of wet and dry ingredients; the bottom layer is a shiny golden yellow liquid, likely melted butter or oil, topped with large clumps of white flour scattered unevenly across the surface. A wooden-handled purple spatula with a flat edge rests inside the bowl, partially digging into the flour and liquid mix. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, providing a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might be pantry staples, but each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor in this dessert. From the flour that forms a buttery crust to the shredded coconut that adds delightful chewiness, these simple components come together beautifully.

2 ½ cups flour (divided): Provides structure and tenderness, with part forming the crust and part the filling base.
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
1 ¼ cup packed brown sugar (divided): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth to both crust and filling.
1 ¼ cup butter (divided): Creates a rich, buttery flavor and moist texture for crust and filling.
3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness, creaminess, and that signature gooeyness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts flavor complexity and adds warmth.
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Brings melty pockets of chocolate in each bite.
4 cups sweetened shredded coconut (divided): The tropical star, infusing chewiness and sweetness throughout the bars.

How to Make Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350F and lining a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending the edges for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and sea salt to create the dry base. Melt 1 cup of butter and stir it into the flour mixture until everything binds together into a crumbly dough. Press this crust evenly into the pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. The crust is your foundation, providing a buttery, sturdy base to support the luscious topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Once the crust has cooled for about 10 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 325F. In a large bowl, whisk the remaining ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Melt the remaining ¼ cup butter and stir it into this filling mixture. The sweetened condensed milk is key here for that irresistible gooiness.

Step 3: Add Chocolate and Coconut

Next, fold the semisweet chocolate chips and 3 cups of shredded coconut into the filling mixture. This combination creates a well-balanced filling where the chocolate melts perfectly around the chewy coconut strands, offering pockets of luscious flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour your filling evenly over the baked crust and smooth it out gently. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup coconut evenly on top to form a beautiful, toasty-looking topping once baked. Bake for 30 minutes at 325F until the bars develop a gorgeous golden brown color on top. This baking step melds everything together into the fudgy, chewy delight you envision.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once the bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift the entire batch out using the parchment edges and transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature. Allowing them to cool completely helps the bars set so they cut cleanly. Slice into 24 squares and get ready to enjoy every chocolatey, coconutty bite.

How to Serve Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

A close-up image shows a square coconut and chocolate bar cut into smaller square pieces. The top layer is a thick, golden-browned shredded coconut crust with a slightly rough texture, scattered evenly over the whole bar. Below it, dark chocolate chunks are visible in bits between the coconut, creating a contrast of light cream and dark brown colors. The bar has a slightly crumbly edge around the sides, and it is resting on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. A thin metal cake slicer is gently cutting through one piece, creating clean lines between the squares. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to amp up the presentation, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty touch and a hint of extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also complement a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte for the perfect afternoon treat or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering these bars in a pretty glass dish with alternating layers of whipped cream and fresh berries, turning them into an eye-catching parfait. You can also cut them into smaller bite-size pieces and serve on a dessert platter with other tropical treats at a party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them chewy and moist, making them perfect for snacking anytime.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, gently reheat bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300F) for a few minutes. The chocolate chips will melt slightly, and the bars regain that irresistible softness.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened?

Yes, you can substitute unsweetened shredded coconut, but the bars will be less sweet and might have a drier texture. Consider adding a bit more brown sugar if you prefer the original sweetness level.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately for structure.

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

Definitely, dark chocolate chips will add a richer, slightly more bitter contrast to the sweet coconut, which many people love. Adjust the amount if you want it less intense.

Why does the recipe call for melting the butter instead of creaming it?

Melting the butter helps create a fudgy, denser texture that holds up well as bars, rather than the airier texture that creaming would give in traditional cookies.

How thick will the bars be if I cut them into 24 pieces?

Cutting into 24 bars yields a moderate thickness—enough to hold all the layers without being too big or too thin, perfect for satisfying but easy-to-eat portions.

Final Thoughts

If you love a dessert that combines the best textures and flavors in a simple, make-ahead treat, don’t hesitate to try this Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s a surefire way to delight your family and friends with every chewy, chocolate-filled bite. Once you make these bars, they’ll soon become your go-to dessert for celebrations or everyday indulgences.