Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) coconut sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) sea salt
  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. Cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and coconut sugar together using an electric hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined.
  6. Stir in the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
  7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9x13 pan.
  8. Bake for 22-25 minutes, ensuring edges are deep golden brown while the center remains slightly soft.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 16 equal squares.