Congo Squares(Bar Cookies)
Congo Squares are rich, chocolatey bar cookies with a nutty crunch, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings or casual treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt shortening in a large pot.
- Remove from burner.
- Add brown sugar and stir until shortening melts.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Add baking powder and salt, then mix.
- Add flour and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in nuts (optional) and chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter into a greased 10 x 15 x 1-inch jellyroll pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into 2-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you’re looking for a different twist, try substituting the nuts with dried fruit or coconut. Ensure the chocolate chips are semi-sweet for a balanced sweetness. To avoid sticking, be generous with greasing your jellyroll pan. For a fun variation, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Congo Squares are perfect for a dessert table or as a snack with coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a delightful combination, serve alongside Creamy Mac 'N' Cheese for a casual gathering. You can also cut them smaller for bite-sized treats at parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the squares individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a zip-top bag for up to three months. To reheat, place squares in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Congo Squares(Bar Cookies) contains roughly 412 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 34g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips according to your taste. You can even use white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a fun flavor variation. The key is to keep the total amount of chocolate chips the same to maintain the consistency of the batter.
What should I do if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of butter for a rich flavor. Alternatively, coconut oil can also work well as a substitute, providing a slight coconut taste. Just ensure that any replacement is melted before mixing it with the sugar.
How can I tell when the Congo Squares are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the Congo Squares. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready to be taken out of the oven. Keep in mind that the squares will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).