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One of the things I have learned in my expanding understanding of cooking and baking is how a simple change in a recipe can produce a totally different result. In this case, I am talking about flavor. Said differently, working with a base, change up the cooking vessel or throw in a different ingredient, and you would not know that the 2 concurrently created recipes were so closely related. That conclusion may be a little extreme but if I did not tell you and show you my Hot Cocoa Cookies, would you know these Butterscotch Bars started with the same base?
The bars were transformed by turning them into brownies, making them more of a bar and adding the butterscotch chips. The cookies have a firmer texture and different flavors from the marshmallow and Heath Bars compared to these gooey bars with the crunch of the chips.
As a side note, isn’t the baking dish fun? Perfectly suited for Valentines Day. Valentines Day is one of my favorite holidays. It is a simple reminder of how much I love my wife and how lucky I am to have found her. 27 years of marriage and someone still puts up with me. Go figure?
Prep of the chocolate base, go to the Hot Cocoa Cookie recipe link provided herein.
- 1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter
- 1 – 12 oz Cocoa Bar plus 1/4 – 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 - 2 cups butterscotch chips
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, chocolate chips and chopped chocolate, stirring frequently, over medium heat. Let cool for 15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla at low speed until smooth, 2 minutes. Mix in the cooled chocolate mixture just until blended.
- Add the flour mixture in 3 batches, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in butterscotch chips.
- Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Pour batter into dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes. (Top should be firm but a toothpick should come out clean).
- Serve and enjoy!
Chips Added.
Added to Valentines Dish.
After Baking.
Plated.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
This looks delicious! I love butterscotch and will be trying this this weekend!
Peter Block
Thx Sam.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
This is a chocolate lovers heaven right here. Love the combination of chocolate and butterscotch!!
Peter Block
They go together so well.
lisa @ garlicandzest.com
Your pictures are dynamite, Peter! Why aren’t you my next door neighbor?
Peter Block
I would be happy to swap recipes and tastes with you Lisa anytime.
Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom
I love, love, love reinventing recipes that use the same base! This looks like an amazing version – yum!
Peter Block
That’s a lot of love. Thx Kelly.
Del's cooking twist
Hi Peter! I couldn’t wait any longer, I finally gave a try to your recipe today. To dy for! This is heaven, really! Thanks again for this amazing cake! 🙂
Peter Block
I am so glad you tried the recipe and enjoyed it!!!
CakePants
Oh wow…these bars look downright swoon-worthy! Perfect for Valentine’s Day indeed!
Peter Block
I like “swoon-worthy”.
Linda (Meal Planning Maven)
While I can’t indulge in sweets very often, I must say, these bars are very tempting! Your photos are incredible as always!
Peter Block
Thank you Linda. Moderation. Moderation!
Mira
Thank YOU , Peter….
Now, I know I’ll make them…..
~~ Mira
Peter Block
Great. Let me know how they turn out Mira.
Jenny.U
WOW!! These would be a great treat for Valentine’s Day…or any day for that matter!
Peter Block
My sentiments exactly.
Janette@culinaryginger
Wow, you know how to bring it with your desserts. I think anyone could win anyones heart with this. No wonder you’ve been married so long 🙂
Peter Block
Our relationship started with my wife baking for me, thereby keeping us together. Now my baking is our maintenance! 🙂
Mira
Hi Peter,
Can too please tell me what is 12oz. Cocoa bar ?
I don’t think I saw it on the shelves of my local grocery stores.
Thanks,
Mira
Mira
Hi,
Can you please tell me what is 12 oz. Cocoa Bar ?
I don’t think I saw it on the shelves of my local grocery store.
Thanks,
Mira
Peter Block
Any dark chocolate bar will do. I probably should call it a bittersweet bar. Thx for stopping by.
Del's cooking twist
Your butterscotch bars look so decadent, I love them! Good thing : I’ve got some butterscotch chips left at home (we don’t find them in Europe though), I know how I will use them now 🙂 Thanks for the recipe, Peter!
Peter Block
Thx Del. If you make them? I am sure they will turn out wonderfully.