If you love the chewy cookie bar with all the buttery goodness of blondies and the rich flavor of chocolate chip cookies, then Congo Bars are for you! This old-fashioned treat dates back to 1945 and has been a favorite for generations.
With their crisp chewy edges, soft and gooey center, and generous chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, bake sale, or just an afternoon snack.
A Vintage Favorite
Congo Bars are sometimes called chocolate chip cookie bars because they have all the flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies but in a thick, chewy bar form. The recipe originated in the 1940s and became popular due to its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd. Many vintage cookbooks include variations of this recipe, often with a nostalgic touch that reminds us of home-baked goodness.
Old-Fashioned Congo Bars AKA Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2/3 Cup Shortening or room temperature butter
- 2 1/4 Cups Brown Sugar packed
- 3 Large Eggs
- 2 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 Cup Nuts chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl add the wet ingredients; shortening and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer, blend until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.2/3 Cup Shortening, 2 1/4 Cups Brown Sugar, 3 Large Eggs, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients; flour, baking powder, and salt.2 3/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder, 1 Teaspoon Salt
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).1 Cup Chocolate Chips, 1 Cup Nuts
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. For best results, check for doneness at the earlier bake time (30 minutes) to avoid overbaking. The top should be golden brown, and the center may still be slightly soft to the touch. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Tips for the Best Congo Bars
Use fresh brown sugar. This helps keep the bars moist and gives them a rich caramel flavor.Don’t overbake. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so pull them out when the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly soft.
Customize the mix-ins. Try white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even coconut flakes for a unique twist.
Make ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
Why We Love These Old-Fashioned Congo Bars
Easy to make. No need to scoop individual cookies; just spread the batter in a pan and bake.
Chewy and rich. The brown sugar gives them a deep caramel-like flavor.
Feeds a crowd. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or meal prepping for sweet treats throughout the week.
Customizable. Add nuts, white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra twist.
Fun Customizations
One of the best things about this dessert is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations to try.
- Brown Sugar Choices. Light brown sugar will give a more subtle caramel flavor, while dark brown sugar has a deeper, molasses-like richness.
- Chocolate Options. Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter bite, or go for dark chocolate chips for a bolder taste. or swap out the chips altogether using chocolate chunks instead.
- Peanut Butter Lovers. Replace some or all of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a nutty twist.
- Mix-ins Galore. Stir in shredded coconut, toffee bits, or even dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
- Salted Topping. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for the perfect balance of sweet and salty
Congo Squares Storage Tips
Store the Congo Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra fresh, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers.
While not necessary, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze Congo Bars and here’s how.
Whole Pan. If you want to freeze the entire batch, let the bars cool completely, then wrap the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Individual Bars. Cut the bars into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab one at a time.
Thawing & Reheating
Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating.
For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds.
A Nostalgic Treat to Share
The exact origin of Congo Bars is a bit unclear, but they first gained popularity in American cookbooks around the 1940s and 1950s. Despite the name, they don’t have any known connection to the Congo region in Africa. Some theories suggest that the name may have been inspired by the mid-century fascination with exotic-sounding foods, similar to how “Hawaiian” or “Polynesian” names were used in recipes during that time.
There’s some speculation that Congo Bars could have a connection to New Orleans, particularly Congo Square. A historic gathering place for African and Creole culture. Congo Square was a hub for music, dance, and cultural blending, so some believe the name of the dessert may have been inspired by this vibrant history. However, there’s no definitive proof linking the recipe to New Orleans.
Congo Bars are essentially blonde brownies packed with chocolate chips, making them a close cousin to the classic chocolate chip cookie. Their popularity grew because they were easy to make in large batches and required no scooping like traditional cookies—just spread, bake, and slice!
These buttery chocolate chip cookie bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a piece of baking history. Whether you’re making them from childhood memories or trying them for the first time, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try them today and enjoy a taste of the past.
Thank you for sharing this recipe