Hot Chocolate Bars

Hot Chocolate Bars

24 servings
Craving hot cocoa in cookie bar form? Us, too! That's why we love these Hot Chocolate Layer Bars, which come together with just five ingredients and 20 minutes' prep. Start with a layer of Pillsbury™ chocolate chip cookie dough with cocoa powder, top with a rich chocolate ganache and mini marshmallows, and dig into a decadent cookie bar that tastes even better when served with—what else?—hot chocolate.

Ingredients

  • 1 roll refrigerated Pillsbury™ Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

    16.5 oz

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

    from 12-oz package

  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oven to 350°F. Line 8-inch square pan with foil, extending over edges.

  2. 2

    In medium bowl, break up cookie dough. Add baking cocoa; mix with spoon, or knead with hands until well blended (dough will be stiff). Press evenly in bottom of pan.

  3. 3

    Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are set (do not overbake). Cool completely on cooling rack, about 1 hour.

  4. 4

    In medium microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and whipping cream uncovered on High 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds; stir until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Spread chocolate mixture evenly over cooled cookie base. Sprinkle with miniature marshmallows, slightly pressing into chocolate.

  5. 5

    Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. For bars, cut into 4 rows by 3 rows; cut each bar in half diagonally for a total of 24 triangular bars. Store covered in refrigerator.

Hot Chocolate Bars

Hot Chocolate Bars

125 min24 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the cozy comfort of hot chocolate in a delightful, easy-to-eat bar? These Hot Chocolate Bars deliver all that nostalgic flavor in a decadent, layered treat. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or sharing with friends, these bars make dessert effortlessly delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines through its brilliant simplicity and incredibly satisfying layers. By starting with refrigerated cookie dough, you bypass much of the usual baking fuss, letting you get to the good part faster. The combination of a rich chocolate cookie base, velvety ganache, and fluffy mini marshmallows creates an irresistible texture and flavor experience that tastes like pure indulgence.

What truly makes these bars special is the clever layering. You'll find a delightful contrast between the chewy chocolate chip cookie layer, enhanced with extra cocoa for deep flavor, and the smooth, intense chocolate ganache. The crowning glory of miniature marshmallows adds a sweet, soft finish that evokes a perfect mug of hot cocoa, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly decadent treat that melts in your mouth while offering a satisfying chew from the cookie base. Each bite of these Hot Chocolate Bars offers a symphony of chocolate, from the robust cocoa-infused cookie to the rich, dark ganache. The miniature marshmallows on top add a light, airy sweetness and a slight chew that beautifully balances the intensity of the chocolate.

These bars are designed for chocolate lovers and anyone who appreciates a sweet, comforting dessert. They're surprisingly simple to assemble, making them an approachable project that yields impressive results. Expect a deeply chocolatey, sweet, and comforting bar that’s perfect for any occasion.

Customization & Variations

While delicious as is, you can easily personalize these Hot Chocolate Bars. For a darker chocolate experience, use a higher percentage cacao semisweet or even bittersweet chocolate chips in your ganache. Alternatively, milk chocolate chips would create an even sweeter, creamier ganache. You could also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the ganache before the marshmallows for a sophisticated sweet and salty contrast. For an extra touch of flavor, a drop of peppermint extract could be added to the ganache.

Serving & Context

These indulgent Hot Chocolate Bars are a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a comforting dessert after a long day. They pair wonderfully with a warm mug of, what else, hot chocolate, amplifying the cozy experience. Serve them on a pretty platter for an inviting presentation that’s sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions