Place chopped dates in a bowl and cover with baking soda and boiling water. Let the mixture cool completely in the refrigerator or freezer.
Using a Kitchen Aid or a hand mixer, whip the softened butter and sugar together until well blended, about 45 seconds. Add in the eggs and mix well to combine.
Sift the flour, salt and cocoa powder together. Ensure you have 2 cups of the flour mixture after you sift.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients slowly and stir.
Once the date mixture is completely cool, fold in the date mixture, ½ cup of the walnuts and chocolate chips.
By hand, mix well with a large spoon and pour batter into a 9×13 glass Pyrex dish.
Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chip morsels and walnuts on top of the batter.
Cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
Once bars are completely cooled, cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar.