Toll House Cookie Bars

Who doesn’t love a classic chocolate chip cookie? But what if you could turn that nostalgic, chewy goodness into an even easier, more shareable dessert? Toll House Cookie Bars are the answer! Think of all the deliciousness of your favorite chocolate chip cookie, but baked in a pan for easy slicing and serving. It’s chewy, buttery, and loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, all in one perfect bar form. Trust me, these will disappear in no time. They’re the ultimate comfort dessert, and once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why they’re an all-time favorite.

Why You’ll Love Toll House Cookie Bars

Effortless and Quick

No rolling dough, no scooping individual cookies—just mix, pour, and bake. These cookie bars are a breeze to make and save you all that extra time and effort. If you’re in the mood for cookies but want something simpler, these are the answer!

Shareable and Perfect for Gatherings

It’s a big pan of cookie bars, which means plenty of pieces to go around. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a sweet treat for your family, these bars make serving a crowd easy. Plus, they’re just as delicious as a traditional cookie, so everyone will love them.

Classic Flavor

Made with the iconic Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips, these cookie bars capture all the buttery, chocolatey goodness we know and love from the classic cookie recipe. There’s something comforting and timeless about that flavor.

Customizable

While the classic chocolate chip bars are a hit, these bars are super easy to customize. Add in some chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even a swirl of caramel for a fun twist. You can get creative with whatever you have on hand!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake up these delicious Toll House Cookie Bars:

• Butter: The key to achieving that rich, chewy texture. Use unsalted butter for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and that classic cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of richness and moisture.
• Eggs: To bind everything together and give the bars structure.
• Vanilla Extract: For that warm, sweet flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough and the perfect texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise a little and gives them that fluffy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! These provide all the melty, gooey chocolate goodness.
• Chopped Nuts (Optional): If you like a bit of crunch, feel free to add walnuts or pecans.

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

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

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.

3. Add the 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 just combined. You don’t want to overmix at this point.

4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) with a spatula or spoon. This will ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). Don’t overbake—these bars should remain chewy in the middle.

6. Cool and Slice

Let the bars 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 and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of the pan)
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

How to Serve Toll House Cookie Bars

On Their Own

These cookie bars are delicious enough to enjoy on their own, with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. The perfect sweet treat after dinner or whenever you need a little indulgence.

With Ice Cream

Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a mouthwatering dessert. The warm cookie bars and the cold ice cream are an amazing combination!

With Whipped Cream or Caramel Sauce

If you’re in the mood to get extra fancy, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top or add a dollop of whipped cream for that indulgent touch.

For a Fun Party Treat

Cut them into smaller squares for a bite-sized dessert at your next party or gathering. They’re sure to be a hit with guests of all ages!

Additional Tips

• Make Them Ahead: You can make these bars a day or two in advance. They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container and can even be stored at room temperature!
• Don’t Overbake: For the perfect chewy texture, make sure not to overbake them. Take them out when they’re golden on the edges but still soft in the middle.
• Add Your Favorite Mix-ins: Feel free to switch up the chocolate chips. White chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips would be delicious additions. Or, mix in some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A1: Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture of the bars. Butter gives them a richer, more authentic taste.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A2: Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

Q3: Can I use different kinds of chocolate chips?
A3: Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even a mix of white and semi-sweet chips. Get creative!

Q4: Can I freeze these cookie bars?
A4: Yes! These cookie bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them if you want to extend their freshness.

Q6: Can I add nuts to the bars?
A6: Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be great additions. Add about 1 cup of nuts to the dough when folding in the chocolate chips.

Q7: Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
A7: Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure to use a larger pan. If you double it, you may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes.

Q8: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A8: Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it into the pan and baking.

Q9: What’s the best way to cut the cookie bars?
A9: Let the bars cool slightly, but while they’re still warm, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. This makes the cutting process smoother and gives you nice clean edges.

Q10: Can I make these cookie bars without eggs?
A10: Yes, you can substitute eggs with egg replacers like mashed bananas or a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Conclusion

Toll House Cookie Bars are the ultimate chocolate chip cookie experience, without all the fuss of individual cookie baking. They’re chewy, sweet, and irresistible—perfect for a family treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert. So grab your ingredients, get that oven preheated, and enjoy the comfort of fresh-baked cookies in bar form! Happy baking!

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