Kentucky Derby Cookie Bars Recipe
The Kentucky Derby Cookie Bars Recipe is rich, sweet, and full of comfort flavor. It is a famous dessert-style bar inspired by Southern baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup shredded coconut optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time. Then add vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well to mix evenly.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Slowly add dry mixture to wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Add Mix-Ins
- Fold in chocolate chips, pecans and coconut. Mix gently so everything is evenly spread.
Spread in Pan
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake the Bars
- Bake for 20–25 minutes. The top should be golden and slightly firm.
Cool Completely
- Remove from oven and let it cool. This helps the bars set properly.
Cut into Squares
- Cut into even squares. Your Kentucky Derby Cookie Bars Recipe is ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use walnuts instead of pecans
- Add caramel chips for extra sweetness
- Do not overbake for gooey texture
- Chill before cutting for clean squares
- Add dark chocolate for richer taste
- Sprinkle sea salt on top for balance