Hey y’all! If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat packed with gooey chocolatey goodness, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are just what you need. They’re a game-changer for bake sales, after-school snacks, or sweet potluck surprises. With a soft, chewy center and crisp golden edges, every bite is pure cookie heaven. Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in only 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
- No need to portion or roll dough—just press and bake!
- Each bar is thick, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips.
- Great for sharing at parties, school lunches, or family gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butters & Sugars
In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until creamy and well mixed.
Step 4: Combine & Add Chocolate Chips
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using).
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center looks just set (do not overbake for chewy bars!).
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- For easy removal, leave a parchment paper overhang on the sides of the pan.
- Underbake slightly for extra gooey, soft bars—ovens may vary, so check at 22 minutes.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Dollop 1/3 cup peanut butter on top and swirl before baking.
- Triple Chocolate: Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars: Replace 1/2 cup flour with old-fashioned oats for a hearty twist.
Required Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional)
Storage Instructions
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw and enjoy!
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee for the ultimate treat.
- Dress them up with a drizzle of caramel or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Pro Tips
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for the cleanest edges.
- If you love gooey centers, pull them out when the center still looks slightly underbaked.
- Press extra chocolate chips on top before baking for bakery-style looks.
FAQ
- Can I double this recipe?
- Yes! Just use a larger baking sheet and keep an eye on the bake time, as it may need a few extra minutes.
- Can I use salted butter?
- Absolutely—just reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavor.
- Why are my bars dry?
- Overbaking can cause dryness; check your bars a few minutes early, as oven temperatures can vary.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 22-26 minutes | Total time: 30-36 minutes | Yield: 24 bars
