If you have been searching for the ultimate treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. It captures all the goodness of classic chocolate chip cookies but in an irresistibly easy bar form that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. These bars boast a soft, chewy texture with golden edges studded generously with melty chocolate chips, making every bite an absolute joy. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a surefire winner that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are pantry staples that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your cookie bars. Each one plays a crucial role — from the buttery richness and the sweet depth of brown sugar to the comforting vanilla and of course, those chocolate chips that steal the show.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bars while keeping them soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for that perfect chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich creaminess and tenderness to the bars.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Brightens the sweetness while helping create a slightly crisp top.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses warm aromatic notes amplifying the cookie flavor.
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient delivering pockets of luscious melted chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure those cookie bars lift out easily after baking. Preparing your pan carefully is key to getting perfect, neat squares.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them together evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, ensuring consistent texture and flavor throughout your cookie bars.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential—it incorporates air that gives your bars a wonderful lift and tenderness.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These additions enrich the dough and add complexity to the flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can toughen your bars, so keep it gentle to maintain softness.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips so they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough. This ensures that every bite gets a delightful burst of gooey chocolate.
Step 7: Spread Dough and Bake
Spread your cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time strikes the perfect balance between soft and slightly crisp edges.
Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial — it lets the bars set properly so you get those clean, perfect-cut squares that are easy to handle and even easier to enjoy.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are perfection on their own, you can elevate them by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top once baked to enhance the chocolate’s flavor. Another fun idea is to drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the bars for an extra decadent touch. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar add a lovely pop of color and sweetness as well.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience, or serve alongside a tall glass of cold milk to bring back childhood memories. For a grown-up twist, a cup of strong coffee or hot cocoa complements the rich chocolate chips perfectly and enhances the overall indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into different shapes for themed parties, or layer them in a dessert parfait with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a visually stunning treat. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with twine makes adorable gifts that taste as good as they look. Serving them warm with a small pot of chocolate sauce on the side invites your guests to customize their indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, so you can enjoy them easily throughout the week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing.
Freezing
Cookie bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To freshen up your cookie bars, reheat them for about 10 seconds in the microwave to bring out that just-baked softness. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the bars. Alternatively, warming them briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil keeps them moist and melts the chocolate to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate chips for this recipe?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar to customize the sweetness and richness to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to keep the texture soft and chewy, similar to the original bars.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie bars?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit can add wonderful texture and flavor. Just fold in about a half to one cup of your chosen mix-ins along with the chocolate chips before baking.
Why are my cookie bars cakey instead of chewy?
This is often due to overmixing the dough or baking for too long. Be sure to mix just until combined and keep a close eye on the baking time. Also, using the right balance of brown and granulated sugar helps maintain a chewy texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but be sure to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning in your cookie bars.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is truly one of those timeless, comforting desserts that feels like a warm hug on any day. It’s straightforward, delicious, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for everything from family gatherings to simple weekday treats. I encourage you to give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with every chewy, gooey bite!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade cookie bars with a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and golden edges, loaded with semisweet chocolate chips. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for sharing and a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the cookie bars cool in the baking pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For chewier bars, underbake slightly by taking them out a minute or two early.
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For easier removal, let bars cool completely before slicing.
