Congo bars were made for the non bakers of the world. I have given up on cookies because they never come out perfect. They spread to much, aren’t cooked enough, are cooked too much, but never just right. If this sounds like you then Congo bars are the way to go. They are always my go to dish when asked to bring a dessert. Oooey, gooey, and chewy these are these are always a hit.
I grew with this delectable dessert, but it appears many others did not. I often get asked about them. I believe they are similar to a blondie or maybe they are a blondie that goes by a different name. Google, tells me that they are most common in the southeast US. Growing up mom always made them with chocolate chips only. At that age I would have thought nuts in a cookie was blasphemy, but now I love adding all sorts of toppings to these. When making this batch I only mixed in the chocolate chips, the nuts and coconut I sprinkled on top of one half. I love my Congo bars (or squares as I know them) with chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut, but you can add any mix ins you would like.
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper to make for easy bar removal.
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
- In a large bowl whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla whisk until mixed. Add the dry ingredients and fold into the wet with a spatula. Careful not to overmix. Add the coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips and fold into the batter.
- Dump batter into the 9×13 pan and spread into an even layer.
- Bake 22-25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before removing from pan and cutting.
Adapted from Brown Eyed Baker
The Sunday Supper Favorite Cookie Exchange Cookies:
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- Turtles by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies! by I Run For Wine
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- Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies by She likes ruffles, he likes truffles
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- Mexican Chocolate Cookies by Generation Y Foodie
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- Christmas Crunchies by Magnolia Days
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- Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies and Tips on Mailing Cookies by Chocolate Moosey
- Congo Bars by Supper for a Steal
- Mint Surprise Cookies by The Cookie A Day Challenge
- Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies by Midlife Road Trip
- Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars by Shockingly Delicious
- Oreo Cheesecake Cookies by Baker Street
- Biscoff Pillow Cookies by by The Messy Baker Blog
- Mexican Hot Cocoa Cookies by Juanita’s Cocina
- Raspberry Thumbprints for my first #SundaySupper! by Kelly Bakes
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- Almond Joy Macaroons by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Gluten Free Coconut Fruit Nut Cookies by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Snowball Surprise Cookies by Family Foodie
For more amazing cookies recipes like Snowball Surprise Cookies, check out Cookielicious by Food Editor Janet K. Keeler from The Tampa Bay Times now while there is a special… Buy One Cookielicious Cookbook and get one for a friend!
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I haven’t heard of them, but I NEED them after seeing yours! YUM!
I’m with you about not appreciating nuts when I was younger. My mom would put walnuts in muffins and cookies and I couldn’t stand it. Now, I just realize that it’s not necessarily that I don’t like nuts, but I prefer different nuts in different things. And, as it happens, pecans are my favorite nut! These sound incredible!
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This is my first time hearing of Congo Bars…but they sound delicious! In my mind I was picturing like, rain forests fruits stuffed inside. Ha!
I´ve been wanting to make congo bars for some time now, but never did. They look gorgeous! Must make soon!
Oh, I LOVE bars like this. Cookie bars are so fast to make, too.
I’ve never heard of Congo bars (or squares) but anything with pecans and coconut is good for me! I like how easy it is to whip up a batch. Now dreaming about warming one up in the microwave for a few seconds to have a warm ooey gooey treat.
Ahh Renee I was counting on you to know what congo squares are. If google didn’t tell me these actually existed I would think my family made them up!
I have not heard of these, but love the ingredients – they look great!
They sound and look great!
Nice looking bars!
Havent made these in ages, but yours look so much better than mine ever did
Gorgeous! Beautiful! And they make me want to play the drums for some strange reason.
Seriously, these look so good. Thank you so much for the recipe!
great sounding combo, I must try congos!
Happy to see some bar cookies in the mix!
I echo Jen’s comment from above – I’ve never heard of them but I want them in my belly, now! You can’t go wrong with a delicious blondie base and all those decadent add-ins. Perfect for the holiday snack table!
I love the ingredient combo in these!!! I must try…
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YUMMY! Save me any?
Love, love, love these nutty bars, they look so good!!
Oh YUM! I love making bars, they are fun to make, and easier too! Your bars look fantastic, especially with all those pecans, YUM!!! Hugs, Terra
Oh I need to send these to a friend of mine who has decided that she is giving up on cookies. They just never turn out for her.
Never heard about it but thank you for introducing us to it! Your Congo Bars look delightully delicious!
I love Congo bars just had never found the recipe until now…..They are easy to make and so good to eat, especially when still warm