Toll House Mud Bars are a classic American dessert inspired by the beloved Toll House chocolate chip cookie. This bar version delivers all the nostalgic flavors of buttery brown sugar, chocolate chips, and vanilla in a soft, chewy, brownie-like texture. Perfectly golden at the edges and delightfully gooey in the center, these bars were a staple of mid-century home baking and often appeared in lunchboxes and bake sales. Their name comes from the "mud" of melted chocolate chips and brown sugar that creates a rich, fudgy bite. They remain a timeless comfort treat that captures the warmth of homemade desserts shared among friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed )
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup nuts (chopped, walnuts or pecans)
- ½ cup raisins (Optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla until creamy.
Step 4: Add Egg
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until blended.
Step 6: Add Mix-ins
- Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, and raisins (if using).
Step 7: Bake
- Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 23–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Tips
- Substitute white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a twist.
- Add shredded coconut for texture and sweetness.
- For a chewier bar, slightly underbake by 1–2 minutes.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; reheat briefly before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2.5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 220IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.8mg
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