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Toll House Mud Bars
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars
Calories 220 kcal

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 9x13-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

  • Use an 8×8- or 9×9-inch pan for thicker bars; a 9×13 pan will yield thinner bars
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing
  • Add ½ cup raisins as written on the card for a fruity variation
  • Lightly toast nuts before mixing for richer flavor
  • Substitute walnuts or pecans depending on preference
  • Do not overbake; bars should look slightly soft in the center
  • Add a handful of white chocolate chips for contrast
  • Sprinkle with a little flaky salt to enhance chocolate flavor
  • Cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2.5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 220IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword bake sale, chocolate chip bars, cookie bars, easy baking, family dessert, fudgy bars, toll house, vintage
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