Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 0.5 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chocolate chips

Okay, friends, let’s talk about something seriously amazing.Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – What are some goodI know everyone has a cookie recipe. But trust me on this one. What are cookie bars? What are some of the best chocolate chip cookies? What is the best way to make brownies? Now, picture the two got married and had the most delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert child ever. What are the problems we’re dealing with here. What’s the hardest part about waiting for a slice to come out? I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always a hit. From potlucks to late-night cravings, these are the best.Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: What are some of the are my go-to.

What Is Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars?

So, what *are* chocolate chip cookie bars exactly? Well, it’s essentially a giant, shareable chocolate chip cookie baked in a pan, then cut into squares. Think of it as the lazy baker’s chocolate chip cookie – all the flavor with a fraction of the effort. Instead of scooping out individual cookies, you just press the dough into a pan and bake! It’s fantastic for when you need to feed a crowd or just want a super easy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. They have that perfect chewy center and slightly crispy edges, just like a good cookie should. Honestly, if you love chocolate chip cookies, you’re going to adore these bars.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me tell you *why* this recipe is a winner. First off, the flavor. It’s pure chocolate chip cookie goodness – buttery, vanilla-y, and packed with chocolate chips (duh!). What I love most about this is how incredibly easy they are to make. Seriously, even a beginner baker can nail this recipe. No need to chill the dough, no fussy scooping – just mix, press, and bake. Plus, it’s a super cost-efficient dessert. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. It’s the perfect way to use up those baking staples. And the versatility! You can add nuts, different kinds of chocolate chips, sprinkles – the possibilities are endless. This beats any store-bought dessert any day. Forget complicated layered cakes or finicky macarons! When you want something homey and satisfying, this recipe delivers. It’s similar to blondies in its simplicity, but the flavor is classic cookie all the way. My family prefers these to brownies sometimes—that’s how good they are.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Quick Overview

What are some of the best ways to whip up these amazing desserts?Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: What are some of the. Basically, you’ll mix together your dry ingredients, then your wet ingredients, combine them, stir in the chocolate chips, press the dough into a pan, and bake! It’s seriously that simple. The best part? No electric mixer needed! One bowl is all you’re going to use. We love that. It means fewer dishes to wash. You’ll see how quickly these come together and wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

For the main battery:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *actually* softened, not melted. I usually leave mine out for about an hour before baking.
* 34 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and that classic cookie crispness.
* 34 cup packed brown sugar: Adds chewiness and molasses-y depth.
* 2 large eggs: Adds structure and richness.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on the good stuff! Use pure vanilla for best flavor.
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Standard AP flour works great here.
* 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise and gives them that signature cookie texture.
* 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.

What is the recipe for chocolate chip cookies?
* 2 cups chocolate chips: I like to use semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, but you can use whatever you like. I’ve even used dark chocolate chunks for a more sophisticated flavor. Pro tip: I have used almonds in my recipe. Is it safe to sprinkle a little salt on top?

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Is it possible to remove a piece of parchment paper? I always use parchment paper because it makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can lift the whole slab of bars out of the pan to slice them evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Is it important to whisk the baking soda and salt into the flour? This prevents pockets of bitter taste in the final product. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb. I usually use a wooden spoon for this, but you can use hand mixer if you prefer. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure your eggs are room temperature. It helps them incorporate more easily into the butter and sugar mixture.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix gluten in flour, resulting in tough bars. A few streaks of flour are okay. It’s better to be under-mixed than over-meshed.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in the chocolate chips. Again, mix until just combined. Now is the time to taste the dough (I always do!). Feel free to add more chocolate chips if you’re feeling extra decadent.

Step 6: Press into Pan

How do you press dough into a baking pan? If the dough is sticky, you can lightly grease your hands or use a piece of parchment paper to help. What is the best way to serve chocolate chip cookies? What makes the bars look so pretty?

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, or the bars will be dry. Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.

Step 8: Cool & Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, they’ll be easier to slice and they’ll taste even better once they’ve cooled. Once cooled, slice into squares. I usually get about 16 bars from a 9×13 inch pan.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Serve and enjoy!Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: What are some of theWhat are some good side dishes to serve with ice cream? I sometimes sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet and salty treat. So, so delicious!

What to Serve It With

What are some fun ways to serve these?Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: What are some examples?.
For Breakfast:What is the best thing about coffee? Cut into smaller squares for a quick, satisfying breakfast treat. I’ve been known to grab one on the way out the door.For Brunch:Arrange the bars on a pretty platter with fresh fruit and whipped cream. What are some good ways to serve a mimosa at brunch?As Dessert: These are fantastic warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle them with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent dessert.
For Cozy Snacks: Warm up a bar in the microwave for a few seconds and enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. The perfect cozy snack on a cold day.
Growing up, my mom would always make these for our after-school snacks. It was the best thing to come home to! I’ve carried on the tradition with my own kids, and they love them just as much.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Alright, let me share some of my top tips for making these chocolate chip cookie bars absolutely perfect.
Butter Matters: Use real butter, not margarine. The butter provides the best flavor and texture. Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to press your finger into, but still hold its shape.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars. Mix until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Chocolate Chip Choices: Feel free to experiment with different kinds of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate – they all work great! You can even use chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate.
Add-Ins: Get creative with add-ins! Nuts, sprinkles, dried fruit, pretzels – the possibilities are endless.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary. They’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling Time: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This prevents them from crumbling and makes them easier to slice. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
I once tried substituting the butter with coconut oil. The flavor was interesting, but the texture was off. The bars were too greasy. So, I stick with butter now. It really makes a difference!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store these chocolate chip cookie bars to keep them fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is my go-to.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezer Instructions: For even longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you want to warm up the bars, you can microwave them for a few seconds or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
I always find that freezing them works best if you haven’t sliced them. Freeze the whole thing and then take it out and slice it once it’s been thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure to use a blend that’s designed for baking, and you might need to add a little extra liquid to the batter to achieve the right consistency. I’ve had good luck with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can, but the baking time will need to be adjusted. If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker and will require a longer baking time. If you use a larger pan, the bars will be thinner and will require a shorter baking time. Keep a close eye on them while they’re baking to make sure they don’t overbake or underbake.

Can I add nuts to these bars?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious additions. Just stir them into the batter along with the chocolate chips.

How can I make these bars chewier?

Using all brown sugar instead of a combination of granulated and brown sugar will result in chewier bars. You can also add a tablespoon of molasses to the batter.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to chocolate chip cookie bars recipe! I hope you give these a try. They’re seriously the easiest and most delicious dessert ever. The perfect flavor, simple ingredients, incredible results – you can’t go wrong! And once you start experimenting with add-ins, you’ll never make the same batch twice! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other cookie and bar recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out. I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures. Happy baking!