Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ohhh yes—get ready to fall head over heels for these Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. They’re everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies, but in an ultra-thick, buttery, golden bar form. Soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and absolutely loaded with melty chocolate chips in every bite… these are the kind of treats that disappear fast (so maybe hide a few for yourself). Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe is the definition of feel-good baking. Trust me—these bars are next-level delicious.

Why You’ll Love Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

All the Cookie Flavor, Less Fuss: No need to scoop individual cookies—just press the dough into one pan and bake!

Thick & Chewy Texture: Perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey in the center, thanks to the bar-style bake.

Crowd Favorite: Everyone—and I mean everyone—loves these. They’re a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or bake sales.

Customizable: Add nuts, swirl in some peanut butter, or try different kinds of chocolate. Make them your own!

Easy to Make: Simple pantry ingredients, no chill time, and just one bowl needed.

Ingredients in Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Butter: Melted butter gives these bars their rich flavor and helps create that irresistible chewy texture.

Brown Sugar: The secret to that deep, caramelly sweetness and soft, moist bite.

Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right balance of sweetness and helps the edges crisp up a bit.

Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure—plus a little extra gooeyness.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bars their soft, tender structure.

Baking Soda: Helps them rise slightly and keeps the texture light, not dense.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.

Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! Use semisweet, milk, or even dark chocolate—go with your favorite.

Optional Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, toffee bits, or swirls of Nutella or peanut butter for a fun twist.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs and vanilla, and whisk until combined.

Add the Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined—don’t overmix! The dough should be thick but still easy to spread.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chocolate chips (and any other mix-ins). Save a handful to sprinkle on top for that picture-perfect finish.

Press and Bake

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top, then bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set but still slightly soft.

Cool (If You Can Wait!)

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. They’ll be soft and gooey straight out of the oven, and firm up slightly as they cool.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12–16 bars
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per bar]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

• Warm with Ice Cream: The ultimate dessert duo—top with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel.
• With a Glass of Milk: Classic never fails.
• Party Tray Style: Cut into small squares and pile onto a serving platter for easy snacking.
• Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overbake: The key to gooey bars is taking them out while the center still looks slightly underdone—they’ll continue to cook as they cool.
• Chill for Cleaner Cuts: For perfect squares, chill the bars slightly before slicing.
• Use Good Chocolate: If you can, splurge on quality chocolate chips or chop up a chocolate bar—totally worth it.
• Make a Smaller Batch: Halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8 pan if you want fewer servings.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Q2: Can I use all brown sugar instead of a sugar mix?
A2: Definitely. It’ll make the bars even softer and more flavorful.

Q3: Can I freeze these bars?
A3: Absolutely! Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat in the microwave.

Q4: Can I add nuts or candy pieces?
A4: Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, M&Ms, or Reese’s Pieces all work beautifully.

Q5: Can I use salted butter?
A5: Yes—just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

Q6: How do I keep them soft?
A6: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. A slice of bread in the container helps keep them extra soft.

Q7: Can I make these dairy-free?
A7: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious non-dairy version.

Q8: Why did my bars turn out cakey?
A8: Overmixing or using too much flour can lead to cakier bars. Measure carefully and stir just until combined.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes—use a larger pan (like 11×17) and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q10: Can I underbake them for extra gooeyness?
A10: Definitely. Just keep an eye on the center—it should be slightly jiggly when you pull them out.

Conclusion

These Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are everything a dessert should be: easy, comforting, rich, and absolutely loaded with chocolate. They’re perfect for sharing… or for hoarding and sneaking bites straight from the pan (no judgment). Whether you’re baking for a group or just treating yourself, this recipe is a total game-changer. So go on—get that oven preheating and let the cookie magic begin!

Print