Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? Now, imagine that same sweet, buttery magic in bar form—no scooping dough, no waiting around for individual cookies to bake, just one big pan of chewy, chocolatey perfection. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat, offering all the comfort and indulgence of classic cookies but in the most effortless way possible. These bars are thick, soft, and packed with melty chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, or just need something easy to bake, these cookie bars are a guaranteed hit. Get ready for the most delicious, no-fuss dessert you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Here’s why Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert:

Easy to Make

These bars are so simple to prepare. No need for chilling dough or worrying about even cookie sizes. Just mix, spread, and bake! It’s perfect for anyone who loves a delicious dessert but doesn’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.

Soft and Chewy

These bars have that perfect soft, chewy texture you crave in a cookie, with crisp edges for a little contrast. They’re the perfect balance of tenderness and bite.

Loaded with Chocolate

Who doesn’t want more chocolate? These bars are absolutely packed with gooey chocolate chips in every bite. You’ll get that glorious chocolate hit with every piece you take.

No Need to Scoop Dough

Say goodbye to scooping out cookie dough for hours. With cookie bars, you simply spread the dough in a baking dish, bake, and slice. It’s the easiest way to make cookies for a crowd!

Versatile and Customizable

Feel free to add extra mix-ins like walnuts, M&Ms, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. You can tweak the recipe to make it your own and add whatever you’re in the mood for.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Time to gather your ingredients for these chewy, gooey bars that will steal your heart!

For the Cookie Bars:

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of these cookie bars, making them rich and buttery.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and helps keep the bars soft and chewy.
• Eggs: Bind everything together while making the bars rich and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a comforting, aromatic sweetness to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving the bars their structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps the dough rise slightly, giving the bars that soft texture.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Chocolate Chips: The star of the show, these melt into gooey pockets of chocolate bliss throughout the bars.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions: How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Let’s dive into the steps for making these irresistibly chewy cookie bars!

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your cookie bars come out easily.

2. Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. The sugar should dissolve into the butter to form a creamy texture.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Stir in Chocolate Chips

Once the dough is fully mixed, fold in the chocolate chips. You can also add extra mix-ins here like chopped walnuts or a handful of M&Ms if you want to get creative!

6. Spread the Dough in the Pan

Transfer the dough to the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The edges should be slightly crisp.

8. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles, and serve!

9. Enjoy!

Grab a piece and enjoy the sweet, chocolatey magic of these homemade cookie bars. They’re perfect with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 130mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These cookie bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways you can elevate them:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top of a warm cookie bar creates the ultimate dessert.
• With Milk: A classic pairing, grab a glass of cold milk to wash down that sweet, chocolatey goodness.
• As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookie bars for a decadent treat.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a pretty presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a little extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Additional Tips

Customize with Mix-ins

Feel free to add other fun ingredients like chopped nuts, M&Ms, or even toffee bits. You can easily customize these cookie bars to suit your taste.

Make a Larger Batch

If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for larger, thicker bars. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Store Leftovers Properly

Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.

Check for Doneness

Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check them around the 25-minute mark to ensure they’re perfectly golden and slightly firm to the touch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: Yes, you can, though butter adds a richer flavor. If you use margarine, make sure it’s the kind that’s suitable for baking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?
A2: Absolutely! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips will work perfectly in these bars.

Q3: Can I add nuts to these bars?
A3: Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would add a lovely crunch to the bars. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

Q4: How can I make these bars thicker?
A4: Use a smaller pan (like a 7×7-inch pan) to make thicker bars. Just increase the baking time slightly and keep an eye on them to make sure they bake through.

Q5: Can I freeze these cookie bars?
A5: Yes! Once the bars are completely cooled, slice them and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw before serving.

Q6: How do I prevent overbaking?
A6: To avoid overbaking, check the bars around 25 minutes. They’re done when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Q7: Can I make these bars without eggs?
A7: You can try using an egg substitute, such as a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce, although it may slightly change the texture.

Q8: Can I use brown sugar only?
A8: Yes! You can use all brown sugar if you prefer a richer, molasses flavor. Just keep in mind that they might be a little softer.

Q9: Can I add more chocolate chips?
A9: Definitely! If you love extra chocolate, feel free to add a bit more chocolate chips. The more, the merrier!

Q10: How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
A10: The bars are done when the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a game-changer when it comes to easy, delicious desserts. They’re sweet, chewy, and absolutely loaded with melty chocolate chips—what’s not to love? Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to cozy nights in, these cookie bars are sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, bake a batch, and let the irresistible aroma fill your kitchen. Enjoy every last bite of this indulgent, no-fuss dessert!

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