Mocha Cookie Bars

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Servings: 16
Yield: 16 servings

Description

Like a cross between a cookie and a brownie, these mocha cinnamon bars are reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8x8-inch square pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang on all sides.
2 Stir espresso powder and coffee together in a small bowl until espresso powder is completely dissolved.
3 Whisk flour, cocoa, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon together in a bowl; set aside.
4 Beat butter, 1/2 cup white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer together until light and fluffy in a bowl. Beat in espresso mixture, egg, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in flour mixture; mix until a dough just begins to form. Press dough firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using lightly floured hands.
5 Whisk 1 tablespoon white sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon together in a small bowl; sprinkle sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
6 Bake in the preheated oven just until the dough in the center of the pan feels barely set, 20 to 23 minutes.
7 Allow cookies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the overhanging parchment to lift cookies out to a wire rack; cool completely before cutting into bars.