Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – A Decadent Dessert with Gooey Fudge in Every Bite

Imagine the best of both worlds: soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies layered with rich, creamy fudge. These Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a dessert lover's dream, combining two delicious layers into one irresistible treat. Perfectly golden cookie dough surrounds a rich fudge center, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make. These bars are perfect for a special occasion, bake sale, or simply when you’re in need of a seriously chocolatey dessert fix.

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Each bite gives you the sweet crunch of chocolate chip cookies and the smooth richness of fudge, making it the ultimate dessert combo!

Fun Fact: The Perfect Pairing of Cookies and Fudge

Combining cookies and fudge into one bar is a genius way to get the best of both desserts! Cookie bars are easier to make than traditional cookies since you don’t have to form individual balls of dough. This recipe takes it up a notch with a layer of smooth chocolate fudge nestled between the cookie layers, making each bite ooey-gooey and delicious.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, they freeze well for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. To serve, let the bars thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven gooeyness!

Cooking Tips

For an even richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips in the fudge layer or sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty combo. You can also add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cookie dough for extra crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips to mix up the flavors!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 16 Bars):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fiber: 2g

These Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a decadent treat that pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee!

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Fudge Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

Cookie Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Fudge Layer:

• ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. For the Cookie Layer: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand.
6. Press about ⅔ of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to form the bottom layer. Set aside the remaining dough.
7. For the Fudge Layer: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
8. Pour the melted fudge mixture over the cookie dough layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Flatten pieces of the remaining cookie dough in your hands and place them on top of the fudge layer. It’s okay if some of the fudge peeks through.
10. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie bars are golden brown and the top is set.
11. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting. For easier slicing, you can refrigerate the bars for a couple of hours.
12. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy the gooey, fudgy goodness!

Optional Variations

To mix things up, try using dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also stir in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or coconut into the cookie dough for a fun twist. If you’re a fan of peanut butter, consider adding a layer of peanut butter between the fudge and cookie dough layers!