Wholesome Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Indulge in these delicious Wholesome Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, a lighter twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie bars. By incorporating whole grains and reducing the amount of fat and sugar, these bars maintain a delightful flavor and chewy texture without the heavy feel. Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, they're perfect for sharing at potlucks, school events, or as a guilt-free treat for your family. The addition of pear baby food lends moisture while cutting down on butter, keeping them lower in calories. Optionally, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey bite. Enjoy a sweet indulgence that fits into a healthier lifestyle, with each bar being just 2 Weight Watchers points!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
pear baby food
2 tablespoons (none)
egg whites
4 (none)
brown sugar
1 cup (none)
Splenda sugar substitute
1/2 cup (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
whole wheat flour
1/2 cup (none)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (none)
mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup (optional)
chocolate chips
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking pan.
2
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour with the baking powder and salt, then set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Using an electric mixer on low speed, gradually mix in the egg whites, brown sugar, Splenda, vanilla, and pear baby food.
4
Add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.
5
If desired, fold in the mini chocolate chips using a spatula.
6
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Sprinkle the regular chocolate chips over the top and gently press them into the batter.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool in the pan before cutting into 24 squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wholesome Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?
They are a lighter twist on traditional chocolate chip cookie bars that incorporate whole grains and reduced fat and sugar.
How many Weight Watchers points is each bar?
Each cookie bar is approximately 2 Weight Watchers points.
What is the secret ingredient for adding moisture?
Pear baby food is used to add moisture to the bars while cutting down on the amount of butter required.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 13x9-inch baking pan.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes enough batter for 24 square bars.
How long do the cookie bars need to bake?
The bars should bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
What types of flour are used in these bars?
The recipe calls for a combination of 1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour.
Are whole eggs used in this recipe?
No, the recipe uses 4 egg whites instead of whole eggs to keep the bars lighter.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of melted butter.
Can I add extra chocolate to the batter?
Yes, you can optionally fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter.
When do I add the regular chocolate chips?
Sprinkle the regular chocolate chips over the top of the batter once it is in the pan and press them in gently.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, the 13x9-inch baking pan should be lightly greased before adding the batter.
What is the first step for preparing the dry ingredients?
Combine 1/2 cup of flour with the baking powder and salt in a small bowl.
How do I prepare the butter for mixing?
The butter should be melted in a large mixing bowl before adding the wet ingredients.
Is vanilla extract included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the wet ingredient mixture.
Why is brown sugar used in this recipe?
Brown sugar provides sweetness and helps maintain the chewy texture of the bars.
What is the warning regarding mixing the batter?
Be careful not to over-mix the batter once the flour mixture is added.
Should I cut the bars while they are hot?
No, you should let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into 24 squares.
Are these bars considered low-fat?
Yes, by using pear baby food and egg whites, the recipe reduces the traditional fat content.
How much whole wheat flour is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour.
How much all-purpose flour is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Does the recipe use a leavening agent?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder is used.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What occasions are these bars suitable for?
They are perfect for potlucks, school events, or as a guilt-free family treat.
How much pear baby food is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of pear baby food.
How do I ensure the top of the bars is flat?
Spread the batter evenly and smooth the top with a spatula before baking.
What is the visual indicator that the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges have turned golden brown.
What is the final texture of the bars?
They have a delightful flavor and a chewy texture without the heavy feel of traditional bars.
Is a sugar substitute used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe incorporates 1/2 cup of Splenda sugar substitute to reduce calories.