Mocha Cookie Bars

Like a cross between a cookie and a brownie, these mocha cinnamon bars are reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 130 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.25 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8x8-inch square pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang on all sides.

Step 2

Stir espresso powder and coffee together in a small bowl until espresso powder is completely dissolved.

Step 3

Whisk flour, cocoa, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon together in a bowl; set aside.

Step 4

Beat butter, 1/2 cup white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer together until light and fluffy in a bowl. Beat in espresso mixture, egg, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in flour mixture; mix until a dough just begins to form. Press dough firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using lightly floured hands.

Step 5

Whisk 1 tablespoon white sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon together in a small bowl; sprinkle sugar mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven just until the dough in the center of the pan feels barely set, 20 to 23 minutes.

Step 7

Allow cookies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the overhanging parchment to lift cookies out to a wire rack; cool completely before cutting into bars.