Cookie Bars

Craving the comfort of a warm, freshly baked cookie but don’t want to spend time shaping each individual one? Say hello to these incredible Cookie Bars! Imagine the soft, chewy goodness of a cookie, but in bar form—it’s like getting the best of both worlds. The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make, and the only thing you’ll need is a simple mixing bowl and a baking pan. No fancy equipment, no cookie scoops, just pure, delicious simplicity.

Trust me, these Cookie Bars will quickly become a go-to treat in your baking repertoire. They’re perfect for sharing, bringing to parties, or indulging in when you need a little sweet pick-me-up. Let’s dive into this easy, gooey, cookie-filled adventure!

Why You’ll Love Cookie Bars

Cookie Bars aren’t just an alternative to regular cookies; they’re a whole vibe. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with these bars:

Simple and Fast:

You don’t need to spend hours making individual cookies. Just press the dough into a pan, bake, and boom—cookie perfection in bar form.

Soft and Chewy:

These bars are soft, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet. Each bite feels like the inside of a freshly baked cookie, but better because you don’t have to wait for multiple batches!

Customizable:

Add your favorite mix-ins! Want to throw in some chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a little swirl of peanut butter? Go for it! These bars are totally customizable to your flavor preferences.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether you’re serving them at a party, potluck, or just for a weeknight dessert, these cookie bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re fun to share and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces.

No Fuss:

Forget about chilling dough and rolling out perfect cookies. Just mix, bake, and slice. This recipe is all about ease and delicious results.

Ingredients

Making these Cookie Bars requires just a few pantry staples that you probably already have at home:

Flour:

The base of any good cookie, and it gives the bars their structure. You’ll want all-purpose flour for the best texture.

Sugar:

Granulated sugar adds the sweetness and contributes to the bars’ chewy texture. You can also use brown sugar for a little extra richness if you like.

Butter:

Butter adds a rich flavor and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love in a good cookie.

Eggs:

Eggs are crucial for binding the dough together and creating a soft, fluffy texture.

Baking Powder:

This leavening agent ensures the bars rise just enough to be perfectly soft and chewy.

Vanilla Extract:

For that classic, comforting flavor that makes all the difference in any baked treat.

Salt:

A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cookie bars.

Chocolate Chips:

The star ingredient! You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips, or even a combination—whatever suits your taste buds.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements available in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these Cookie Bars that are bound to become your new favorite dessert:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to go.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or a little longer by hand.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until it’s smooth and combined.

Stir in Chocolate Chips:

Fold in your chocolate chips (or any other mix-ins you’d like!) until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Press into Pan:

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Then, press the cookie dough evenly into the pan, making sure it’s spread all the way to the edges.

Bake to Perfection:

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Slice:

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing them into squares. Enjoy them warm for that extra gooey texture!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 115mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Cookie Bars

These Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can make them even more special with a few serving ideas:

A Scoop of Ice Cream:

For a fun, indulgent dessert, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie bars with cold ice cream are the ultimate treat!

With a Glass of Milk:

There’s nothing like a glass of cold milk alongside a warm, chewy cookie bar. It’s the perfect pairing, and the flavors just meld together.

Topped with Whipped Cream:

For a festive touch, top these bars with some freshly whipped cream or a dollop of whipped topping. It adds a creamy contrast to the rich bars.

As a Party Treat:

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them at your next party or get-together. They’re easy to share, and everyone will love them.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Cookie Bars even more irresistible:

Don’t Overmix the Dough:

Mix the dough just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and no one wants that!

Make Them Extra Gooey:

For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake them by 2-3 minutes. The center will be soft and almost molten—perfect for those who love their cookies a little undercooked.

Add Fun Mix-ins:

Want to mix things up? Add-ins like M&Ms, chopped nuts, or even butterscotch chips can add more flavor and texture to your bars.

Let Them Cool Completely:

Let the bars cool a little before slicing to make them easier to cut. If you can wait, refrigerating the bars for 30 minutes after they’ve cooled will help them firm up and make them even easier to slice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate in the bars?

A1: Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference. Or, mix different types for a fun flavor twist.

Q2: Can I freeze cookie bars?

A2: Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q3: How do I store the cookie bars?

A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy for a few days if kept properly sealed.

Q4: Can I make these bars gluten-free?

A4: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q5: How do I know when the cookie bars are done?

A5: When the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs), the bars are done. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Q6: Can I add nuts to the cookie bars?

A6: Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be great additions. Just fold them into the dough along with the chocolate chips.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?

A7: Of course! If you want to make a larger batch, just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the bake time as needed.

Q8: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A8: While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can work as a substitute in a pinch. Just be aware that it may slightly affect the texture.

Q9: How long should I let the cookie bars cool before cutting them?

A9: Let the bars cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to slice without falling apart.

Q10: Can I add other mix-ins like toffee bits or coconut?

A10: Yes, feel free to get creative! Toffee bits, shredded coconut, or even peanut butter chips would all be delicious in these bars. Just make sure to fold them in with the chocolate chips.

Conclusion

These Cookie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy a cookie without all the fuss. They’re simple, soft, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re making them for a family dessert, a party treat, or just for yourself (no judgment!), these bars are bound to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy a warm, gooey bite of cookie bar bliss!

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