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–+ servings
Halfway Cookie Bars

Chewy Halfway Cookie Bars with Fluffy Meringue Delight

These Halfway Cookie Bars combine a chewy cookie base with rich chocolate and fluffy meringue for a delightful dessert experience.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Base
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour if needed
  • 1 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda leavening agent
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder adds tenderness
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for sweetness
  • 1 cup brown sugar reserve half for meringue
  • 3 large eggs separated whites for meringue
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or butterscotch chips
For the Meringue Topping
  • 3 large egg whites for extra thickness
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar adjust sweetness to preference
For the Baking
  • 1 roll aluminum foil for lining baking dish
  • 1 sheet parchment or wax paper to protect meringue

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • handheld mixer or stand mixer
  • spatula
  • nonstick cooking spray

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Cream softened butter with granulated and half the brown sugar until smooth. Beat in egg yolks, water, and vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients until crumbly.
  3. Press the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top, pressing slightly.
  4. Whip egg whites in a bowl until frothy. Gradually add remaining brown sugar, whipping until glossy and soft peaks form.
  5. Spread meringue over the chocolate layer and bake for 20 minutes, then continue for another 5-10 minutes until lightly toasted.
  6. Remove from oven, cool completely in the pan. Lift out using foil and cut into squares to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all tools for the meringue are clean. Customize with your favorite mix-ins. Store bars at room temperature for up to 4 days.

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